In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), period poverty is a silent crisis. Due to extreme poverty and ongoing conflict, millions of girls lack access to safe menstrual hygiene products. Many are forced to use rags, leaves, or paper, leading to serious health risks and social stigma. This period poverty means that one in ten girls in the DRC misses school every month, often resulting in them dropping out permanently. To restore dignity, health, and education to young girls in the DRC
In a country where over 60% of people live on less than $2.15 a day, the monthly cost of sanitary pads ($1 to $3) is a luxury many families cannot afford. Girls are often forced to choose between buying food or hygiene products. Due to a lack of pads and private school latrines, girls often miss up to four days of school per month. This adds up to nearly two months of missed education per year, causing many to fall behind or drop out entirely. Menstruation remains a deep taboo in many Congolese
By providing reusable sanitary pads, the project eliminates the monthly cost of hygiene. It ensures that even the poorest families don't have to choose between food and feminine hygiene, with reliable protection, girls no longer fear "leaks" or public embarrassment, allowing them to attend class every day of the month. It levels the playing field, ensuring girls have the same 365-days-a-year access to education as their male peers. Providing clean, breathable materials and soap reduces the risk
By eliminating monthly absenteeism, girls are significantly more likely to complete secondary school and pursue higher education, statistics show that for every extra year a girl stays in school, her future income increases by 10% to 20%, helping her lift herself and her future family out of poverty. Fewer reproductive tract infections (RTIs) mean fewer long-term complications and a reduced strain on the local healthcare system. Educated girls grow into informed mothers who are more likely
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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