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MBURU:Solutions for the increase in prices of sanitary pads

Have you seen the prices of sanitary pads of late? I recently visited a leading supermarket in Chuka town with an aim of purchasing sanitary pads and I was shocked to see how costly they have become. Comparing the price now to the cost some years ago, it is about KSh50 to KSh100 more. 
Sanitary pads|COURTESY 

I put myself in the shoes of school girls how come from the village. Our culture of silence around menstruation is a great disadvantage to them since they are unable to request their parents or guardians to get them sanitary pads once they hit puberty because in their setting, menstruation is viewed as a weakness and some are stigmatized for it. As a result of increase in the prices of sanitary pads, they are unable to buy them themselves using the little they may have hence opting to go unhygienic materials such as torn pieces of cloth, matters sponge, animal skin, old rags, leaves or even dig a hole on the ground to sit on for whole period as seen in previous reports.  

The government took the initiative of providing free compulsory sanitary pads for school girls in public schools by launching The Sanitary Towels program in 2011 under the Ministry of Education. This program helps eliminate absenteeism of the girl child in school and put them at par with their male counterparts. Initially, the program targeted to cover all needy girls and women but due to financial constraints only school girls in public primary and secondary schools benefit from it. This means there a still girls who struggle with getting sanitary pads. Increase in their prices makes it tougher for them. 

For girls struggling with getting sanitary pads every month, going for reusable alternatives would be sensible. Unfortunately, most ladies are unaware of these alternatives hence most are still struggling with buying the now expensive pads. 

One of the alternative products is reusable cloth pads. They can be used up to three years when maintained properly. They are a cheaper plan compared to sanitary pads. Recent news from KBC Channel One television says that two out of five girls have been missing school due to lack of sanitary pads during their monthly periods in Kajiado county. To solve this, well-wishers in partnership with the county government have come up with a sewing centre that makes reusable pads and have given them to 2000 girls in the county. The pads are cheaper to acquire compared to sanitary pads and can be used up to three years. This is a brilliant idea because the girls will now be comfortable in school during that time of the month and cases of absenteeism will reduce. 

Another alternative for sanitary pads is period panties. They are also reusable and can last from six months to two years if washed and maintained according to instructions. Comparing the cost of using period panties and using sanitary pads, period panties are more cost friendly.  

Menstrual cups are another alternative. They are reusable and have a lifespan of five years. Despite the discomfort of inserting and removing them, they can stay for 12hours a day when inserted well. They are more comfortable and reliable compared to pads. In the long runs, they are cheaper than sanitary pads. 

Menstrual discs are other possible alternatives. They are positioned between the space behind the cervix and the pubic bone. They are reusable and can last for two years when maintained well.  When inserted properly, they are more comfortable compared to pads. They are a cheaper plan compared to pads. Research has shown that they have unique advantage that is, a lady can engage in sexual act when putting them one without their partner noticing that they are on their menses. 
 
OPINION By MARY MBURU Second Year Journalism and Mass Communication Student at Chuka University
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  1. The government can build affordable housing for 700M but cannot afford 100 for sanitary pads. Someone should die for these kind of insults

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  2. How shameful that we have free condoms everywhere in Kenya something meant for sex which is a voluntary act while basic natural occurrence like periods can't get same attention by providing free sanitary pads. Bottom up priorities

    ReplyDelete

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