According to a survey conducted by Think Young Women with support from UNFPA in the Lower River Region of The Gambia, 3 out of every 10 women and girls use rags and old pieces of cloth to support them while on their periods. These materials expose them to potential health and hygiene hazards, which in the long term can lead to sexual and reproductive health issues. This is why investments in promoting menstrual health and hygiene management through the provision of safe and climate-friendly sanitary pads and accurate information to women and girls are vital.

UNFPA leveraged the 15th Edition of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Trade Fair held from 26th February to 20th March 2022 to raise awareness on period poverty, menstruation related stigma and the significance of reusable menstrual pads to women, girls, and the planet. A display and distribution of the menstrual pads produced at the pad production center under the Women Empowerment and Peacebuilding Initiative supported by UNFPA was also done through this engagement. As a result, over 300 women and adolescent girls were engaged and supported with products. 

The reusable menstrual pads initiative is part of UNFPA’s investments through the support of UN Peacebuilding to tackle period poverty, ensure girls do not miss school while menstruating and provide women farmers with alternative sources of income to address the gendered impact of climate change.

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Media contacts: 

Haddy Jonga – Programme Analyst, Communications jonga@unfpa.org  

Faith C. Ememodo - UNV Communications Associate ememodo@unfpa.org