Ustawi project by CDaid

The problem of access to adequate menstrual hygiene products, such as reusable sanitary panties, is huge in many communities around the world, including those in which we work. Millions of people, especially women and girls, are affected by this problem. Here are some relevant statistics:

- Globally, it is estimated that more than 500 million women and girls do not have access to adequate hygiene facilities during their periods (UNICEF).
- Around 1.25 billion women and girls worldwide do not have access to basic sanitation facilities during their periods (UNICEF).
- In some regions, almost 30% of school-age girls miss school during their periods, due to lack of appropriate hygiene products and limited access to adequate sanitation facilities (UNESCO).

These figures illustrate the scale of the problem and its impact on the health, education and well-being of women and girls.

Several factors contribute to this problem, including lack of financial resources to purchase disposable menstrual hygiene products, lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure, social stigma and lack of awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene.

Our reusable sanitary panties solution is part of the answer to this problem. By offering a sustainable and economical alternative, we aim to guarantee women and girls adequate access to menstrual hygiene while preserving the environment. By eliminating the need to purchase disposable products every menstrual cycle, our solution helps reduce expenses associated with menstrual hygiene products. Additionally, by raising awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene and providing economic opportunities through the production and sale of reusable sanitary panties, we contribute to the empowerment of women and girls in the communities where we work .

Reusable sanitary panties are an innovative solution designed to help women manage their periods in a comfortable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. Unlike disposable products like tampons or sanitary napkins, reusable sanitary panties are made from absorbent, waterproof materials that help absorb the menstrual flow without leaking.

How reusable sanitary panties work is quite simple. They look like normal panties, but with a special built-in liner made up of several layers of absorbent fabric. These diapers are usually made of natural fibers, such as organic cotton, that are soft on the skin and resistant to moisture.

When the panties are worn, the absorbent liner captures the menstrual flow and holds it inside. Layers of absorbent fabric help prevent leaks and keep skin dry. In particular, they will have additional layers of waterproof fabric on the outside for enhanced protection.

Once the reusable sanitary panties are used, they can be washed by hand or in the machine. Blood stains can be pretreated before washing. We will recommend users use mild, unscented detergents to preserve the integrity of the fabric. After washing, the panties must be dried in the open air or according to the instructions that will be put in place.

The technology used in reusable sanitary panties is based on a combination of absorbent and waterproof fabrics. The layers of absorbent fabric are designed to absorb the menstrual flow and retain it inside the panties, preventing leaks. These diapers will be made from natural materials such as organic cotton or synthetic fibers specially designed for absorption.
We will also manufacture antibacterial fabrics that help prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce unpleasant odors. These antibacterial characteristics will help maintain a feeling of freshness throughout the day.

It should be noted that reusable sanitary panties will be available in a variety of sizes to meet everyone's needs. They can be worn for several hours, depending on each person's menstrual flow. You can also wear panties with removable inserts for additional absorption, allowing protection to be customized to specific needs.

It will be a practical, economical and ecological solution for menstruation management. It works by using layers of absorbent, waterproof fabric to capture and retain menstrual flow, preventing leaks. Thanks to their durable design, these panties can be washed and reused repeatedly, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable products.

The target population for improving menstrual hygiene through the development of reusable sanitary panties in the war displaced sites of Nyiragongo and Bulengo, in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is made up of young girls and forced women. to flee their homes due to armed conflict and are currently living in precarious conditions.

These girls and women displaced by war face many challenges when it comes to menstrual hygiene. Currently, they are often underserved in terms of access to quality menstrual hygiene products. Resources are limited in IDP camps, making it difficult to obtain tampons or disposable sanitary napkins, which can also be expensive. As a result, many women are forced to use makeshift methods such as rags, pieces of fabric or unhygienic materials to manage their periods.

This situation has a significant impact on the daily lives of these displaced women. They may face hygiene, health and dignity problems. Using makeshift methods can lead to infections, skin irritations and unpleasant odors. Additionally, lack of adequate menstrual hygiene products can lead to missed school or work, limiting education and employment opportunities for these women.

The reusable sanitary panties solution aims to meet the specific needs of this target population. These panties provide a durable, affordable and hygienic alternative to disposable menstrual hygiene products. By using reusable sanitary panties, displaced girls and women can manage their periods safer, more comfortable and more convenient.

The reusable sanitary panties are designed to be washed and reused, allowing women to have a constant supply of menstrual hygiene products without relying on the limited resources of IDP camps. They are made from absorbent, waterproof materials that help prevent leaks and keep skin dry, minimizing the risk of infections and skin irritation.

By providing reusable sanitary panties to these displaced women, we are giving them the opportunity to manage their periods in a safer, healthier and more dignified way. They will no longer have to worry about finding disposable menstrual hygiene products or deal with the difficulties of using makeshift methods. This can help improve their physical and emotional well-being, as well as boost their self-confidence.

In addition, the introduction of this solution in war displaced sites can also have a positive impact on the local environment. By reducing the use of disposable menstrual hygiene products, we reduce the amount of plastic waste generated, which helps protect the environment.

Our team is well qualified to design and deliver sanitary panty solution to the target population, as we have established a resilience building approach with IDPs in IDP camps. This approach has allowed us to establish proximity with the communities we serve, carrying out various actions to meet their needs.

In particular, our team leader and team are representative of these communities in many ways. We have formed a committee made up of members of the target community, who work in collaboration with our team leader. This committee includes women and girls displaced by war, who bring their unique experiences and perspectives to our work. This representativeness allows us to better understand the realities experienced by these women and girls, as well as their specific needs in terms of menstrual hygiene.

To understand the needs of the target population, we implement various engagement methods. We hold consultation workshops where women and girls can share their experiences, express their concerns and voice their menstrual hygiene needs. We also facilitate focus groups and one-on-one interviews to gather detailed information and engage in direct dialogue with community members.

The design and implementation of our solution is largely guided by the input, ideas and programs of the communities we serve. We take into account the comments and recommendations of women and girls displaced by war every step of the way. Their voices are incorporated into the design of the product, ensuring that it precisely meets their needs and preferences.

We also implement feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement of our solution. We hold regular meetings with community members to evaluate the effectiveness of the solution and collect their feedback. We also use questionnaires and surveys to obtain quantitative information on the impact of our solution on their daily lives.

Our solution for sanitary panties is currently aimed at a significant number of people, particularly in the two displaced persons camps that we are targeting. Specifically, we reached around 1,000 households, which represents a significant portion of the displaced population in these camps.

Among these households, we were able to specifically reach and serve 1,500 girls of childbearing age. These girls constitute a particularly vulnerable category and require special attention in terms of menstrual hygiene. We are proud to have been able to meet their needs by offering them our services and allowing them to purchase quality sanitary panties.

To reach these populations, we have set up a network of services and distribution points in the displaced camps. We have created centers where girls and women can come to seek information, receive advice on menstrual hygiene and purchase our products. These centers are designed to be accessible and user-friendly, providing a safe and confidential environment for users.

In addition to our centers, we have also organized awareness campaigns and information sessions in IDP camps. These initiatives have allowed us to reach a wide audience and raise awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene, as well as the benefits of reusable sanitary panties.

We also worked closely with community leaders and local organizations to promote our solution and reach more people. Their support and engagement was essential in building trust and encouraging adoption of our solution within communities.

It should be noted that our goal is not only limited to the distribution of sanitary panties, but also to the empowerment of women and girls displaced by war. We offer training programs on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health and other life skills. This allows users of our products to acquire knowledge and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Our reusable sanitary panties solution addresses the problem in a new and significantly improved way compared to traditional approaches to managing menstrual hygiene in IDP camps. Here’s how our solution stands out and catalyzes broader positive impacts:1. Durability and reusability: Unlike disposable solutions such as sanitary napkins, our sanitary panties are reusable. It is designed to be washed and used repeatedly, including the waste generated and costs associated with purchasing disposable products. It also allows displaced women and girls to have a continuous supply.

2. Comfort and protection: Our sanitary panties are designed with high-quality materials that provide optimal comfort and protection against leaks. It is adapted to the specific needs of women and girls of childbearing age, taking into account different body shapes and variable menstrual flow. With this improved design, our solution allows users to feel comfortable and confident during their menstrual periods.

3. Autonomy and Empowerment: By providing a breathable solution, we aim to empower women and girls displaced by war. They can take charge of their own menstrual hygiene and do not depend on regular distributions of disposable products. This promotes their autonomy, strengthens their self-confidence and allows them to concentrate on other important aspects of their life.

In terms of broader positive impacts, our solution can catalyze significant change in this space and influence other market players in several ways:

1. Increased Awareness: By offering an innovative reusable sanitary panty solution, we are raising awareness among communities, organizations and key stakeholders about the importance of menstrual hygiene in IDP camps. This can encourage other actors to take similar steps and develop solutions tailored to their specific contexts.

2. Adoption of sustainable practices: Our sustainable and reusable approach can inspire other parties to rethink their menstrual hygiene management strategies and adopt more eco-friendly practices. This could lead to a significant reduction in menstrual hygiene product waste and a shift towards reusable solutions in the wider sector.

3. Technological innovation: Our solution can stimulate technological innovation in the field of reusable sanitary panties. This may encourage others to explore new technologies, materials and design methods to further improve product performance, comfort and durability.

When it comes to the technology behind our solution, we leverage innovative materials and advanced design techniques to create high-quality reusable sanitary briefs. Although we do not detail specific technology in this answer, our approach relies on the use of absorbent, waterproof and breathable materials, as well as ergonomic sewing and design techniques to ensure comfort and protection.

Our reusable sanitary panties solution aims to make a significant impact on the problem of access to adequate menstrual hygiene products in targeted communities. Here is our theory of change to explain how and why we expect our solution to have an impact:

1. Activities: We are implementing awareness and training workshops on menstrual hygiene, aimed at informing women and girls about the importance of menstrual hygiene and the use of reusable sanitary panties. We also organize training sessions on the local production of these panties, thus creating economic opportunities for women in the community.

2. Products: We provide high quality reusable sanitary panties. These products are designed to be comfortable, durable and easy to clean, providing effective protection during menstruation. By using sustainable, eco-friendly materials, we reduce the environmental impact associated with disposable menstrual hygiene products.

3. Immediate Outcomes: Women and girls in the community have adequate access to menstrual hygiene products, reducing their vulnerability during their periods. They benefit from increased comfort and better management of their menstrual hygiene, which helps to improve their well-being and self-confidence.

4. Medium-term results: By using reusable sanitary panties, women and girls can continue to carry out their regular activities, including education and work, without menstrual-related interruptions. This promotes women's autonomy, reduces school and work absences, and encourages their equal participation in society.

5. Long-term results: By ensuring sustainable access to menstrual hygiene products, our solution helps break the taboos and stigmas associated with menstruation. Improving menstrual hygiene promotes reproductive health and reduces the risk of infections. Additionally, by providing economic opportunities through the production and sale of reusable sanitary panties, we contribute to the economic empowerment of women, thereby strengthening their role and status in the community.

Independent research and user feedback will provide strong evidence to support our theory of change. We will collect data on the use of reusable sanitary panties, health and education impacts, and income generated from the production and sale of these products by women in the community.

we have 20 staff of which 7 work full time and 5 part time and 7 others are constituted like other workers

the organization started working on the solution a year ago already due to the needs felt by young IDP girls and women