Women’s rights organisation, Sister Namibia, on Thursday launched SisterPADS to alleviate the discomfort some girls experience during their menstruation period without a sanitary pad, forcing them to miss a few schooldays every month.
Made by hand in Namibia, the SisterPAD includes an outer cotton casing with wings that attach to the underwear and to which the pad, also made of pure cotton, is attached and which can be washed after use. It can be used for two years.
In her address, Director of Sister Namibia Vida de Vos said that as much as it is a topic many are uncomfortable with, it enables life.
“Not one of us could exist, unless there was a girl somewhere who menstruated,” said De Vos.
On the need for water to clean the pad, she said whether a woman uses a disposable or a reusable pad, they do find water to clean themselves with.
“If there is water available for cooking, then surely there should be a little left to clean your reusable pads with.”
The reusable pads are environmental friendly and do not contain plastic that is non-biodegradable.
SisterPADS are made of cotton and ProSoft Waterproof Polyurethane laminate (PUL) fabric, produced in the USA. PUL is the key component of SisterPAD, being breathable, soft, stretchy, flexible and durable.
De Vos said SisterPADS enable girls’ access to education when nature repeats its cycle.
“This is a simple tool that has the potential to enable a girl access to her education and in time break the cycle of poverty in her life. For is it not financial lack that causes her to miss school on the days she has her period?”
Numerous girls commended the product in a promotional video showed during the event.
Having used SisterPADS for about one year, they said it is a relief in comparison to relying on old newspapers, pillow stuffing and t-shirts when experiencing their menstrual cycles.
In support of the initiative, Deputy Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare Priscilla Boois said Government does not have enough money or manpower to tackle poverty alone, and cooperation such as this between Sister Namibia and other private entities towards addressing the problem is the way forward.
– Nampa
