the better solution of menstrual cups is exactly what I was thinking as well. but culturally speaking, I'm not sure how well that would go over vs. pads.
They may not have those sorts of hygenic facilities at home though and if using the cups were to depend upon that then girls from more disadvantaged homes would be discriminated against.
Keep in mind that cultural taboos surrounding menstruation have to be dealt with before re-introducing the concept of a reuseable, washable thing specifically for the purpose of (internally!) collecting and holding blood. The article specifically mentions the fear of leaving a used pad around - can you imagine the cultural revulsion at keeping something from month to moth - even if it could be washed?!
IAW all comments regarding sanitation issues surrounding menstrual cups. Where would these girls store such "unclean" personal acoutrements?
Finally, they most likely burn or bury the rags and camel skin they are using now, given the "blood-spell connection". I don't see how incinerating disposable pads is a greater evil if it means more women receive an education.
Yeah, that was one of my thoughts, but I guess it's the idea of missing school JUST BECAUSE of a period. In my mind, that's even more unnecessary. Like someone said earlier in the article, the cost of school is more of a deterrent. This is just an issue P&G can tackle. Or maybe some of these girls are using it as an excuse?
I was also wondering if these girls experienced excruciating menstrual pain. I have minor pain like most, and I barely feel like going to work...
Anyways, I'm voting for education so that they can start using the Diva Cup. :D
I have to admit, I truly bristle at the "just an excuse" idea.
Cultural taboos around menstruation are SO strong in Africa and other parts of the world - if a girl could not control her blood flow during her period, there is the potential she risks complete ostracism.
Girls already have a hard enough time attending school, given the economic and social pressures you mention. There are cultures that do not value the education of women, therefore, any "excuse" to exclude women from education will be put to use. And a "few days a month" will add up over the course of the year in terms of lessons lost.
Personally, I'm rooting for education so they can increase their standard of living, and I don't give a damn if they use the cup or not.
I agree about what happens when a "few days a month" add up and are spread throughout the year.
As someone who suffered from excruciating menstrual pain, I often didn't go to school when my period started. This really became a problem in college when excused absences were limited and I couldn't actually skip class once a month without losing a letter grade. Which isn't the same thing but it is to say that maybe P & G's solution will help, at least somewhat, with removing one obstacle to school attendance.
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IAW all comments regarding sanitation issues surrounding menstrual cups. Where would these girls store such "unclean" personal acoutrements?
Finally, they most likely burn or bury the rags and camel skin they are using now, given the "blood-spell connection". I don't see how incinerating disposable pads is a greater evil if it means more women receive an education.
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I was also wondering if these girls experienced excruciating menstrual pain. I have minor pain like most, and I barely feel like going to work...
Anyways, I'm voting for education so that they can start using the Diva Cup. :D
Reply
Cultural taboos around menstruation are SO strong in Africa and other parts of the world - if a girl could not control her blood flow during her period, there is the potential she risks complete ostracism.
Girls already have a hard enough time attending school, given the economic and social pressures you mention. There are cultures that do not value the education of women, therefore, any "excuse" to exclude women from education will be put to use. And a "few days a month" will add up over the course of the year in terms of lessons lost.
Personally, I'm rooting for education so they can increase their standard of living, and I don't give a damn if they use the cup or not.
Reply
As someone who suffered from excruciating menstrual pain, I often didn't go to school when my period started. This really became a problem in college when excused absences were limited and I couldn't actually skip class once a month without losing a letter grade. Which isn't the same thing but it is to say that maybe P & G's solution will help, at least somewhat, with removing one obstacle to school attendance.
Reply
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