Fifteen-year-old Kennina smiled shyly as she received her pack of sanitary pads, the joy on her face unmistakable. For her and 150 other girls at Busoro High School, this modest gift meant far more than hygiene, it offered dignity, freedom, and the promise of education. It may seem unfathomable that a pack containing just four reusable pads and a napkin could have such a powerful impact. But for girls like Kennina, it can mean the difference between staying in school or dropping out.
In Burundi, around 80% of women and girls do not have access to sanitary pads. Many are forced to use makeshift, unhygienic alternatives like simple rags. The heartbreaking reality is that nearly 40% of schoolgirl dropouts are linked to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.
“Most don’t realise how such an item can carry so much weight in a girl’s life,” says Donatien, leader of RAJEDES. They run a campaign to raise awareness of what schoolgirls face, and provide for their needs by distributing these pads to them. It is called Zero Pregnancies in Schools.
Why this title? One time, Kennina was desperate for a pad and shared her need with a friend. She was shocked to discover that her friend, like many others, would sell their bodies for sex, just to earn enough to buy sanitary pads!
This gift arrived just in time for Kennina. “I have three sisters, and it was hard to ask my mum to buy us pads every month,” she shared. “Often, she just couldn’t afford them. I earn a little in my job, so I can sometimes buy them myself.” Now, with a set of reusable pads in her possession, Kennina said, “I’m happy I didn’t do what my friend did, and I’m very grateful that I won’t be a burden to my mum. I feel safe and confident.”
Last year, with funding from GLO’s Christmas appeal, RAJEDES produced around 5,000 packs, distributed via various GLO Partners. The pads are offered in tandem with sexual health classes. Donatien is determined to continue, “There are so many needs. Our goal is to be able to provide at least one kit to every schoolgirl in Burundi.”
You can give a pack of sanitary pads as one of our alternative gifts:
