Some girls living in rural areas are calling for support to help them access menstrual hygiene products (Cotex) at affordable prices, saying they are too expensive on the market. They explain that the lack of these products forces some to use old pieces of cloth, which affects their health and hygiene.
Some girls from Huye district say the current market prices are too high, a single pack of Cotex costs between 800 and 1,500 Rwandan francs, while a person needs at least two or three packs per month. For low-income families, this becomes a heavy burden, causing some girls to experience poor hygiene and discomfort during their menstrual periods.
Uwimana Athanasie a young girl, who lives in Simbi Sector in Huye District, says it is troubling that the price of sanitary pads (Cotex) is too high.
“We wish that you could advocate for us so that the prices could be reduced at least to around five hundred francs, because here in the village, getting money is difficult. So, when we don’t have enough, we end up using pieces of cloth.” Said Uwimana.
Meanwhile, Kanzayire Emma Marie, a young girl who lives in Karama Sector, says that it’s a big problem, especially for schoolgirls because they go to school wearing those pieces of cloth, which can sometimes have negative effects for their lives.
“We have no other option because at home it’s hard to find money to buy sanitary pads, so when we go to school during our periods, we use cloth, and sometimes it even causes wounds. If the price could be reduced, maybe we could afford Cotex.” She testified.
According to Marie Jose Niyibikora, a staff member at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) working in the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) department, using pieces of cloth during menstruation can lead to infections and hygiene-related diseases if not properly cleaned or handled.
“It is important for girls to know how to take care of themselves when they cannot afford proper menstrual hygiene products. However, it is equally necessary for the government and parents to work together to make these products more affordable for girls.” She stated.
Philippe Mutarambirwa, an analyst in the infrastructure department at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), confirmed that the issue is known and that there are ongoing efforts to reduce the prices of these essential products to make them more accessible to all girls.
“It is necessary to lower the price of Cotex. The Ministry is working with traders and manufacturers so that every Rwandan, especially adolescent girls in rural areas, can access affordable menstrual hygiene products. Those who violate the regulated prices will face penalties.” He spoke.
In 2019, the Government of Rwanda removed the Value Added Tax (VAT) on menstrual hygiene products and set maximum retail prices to make them affordable on the market.
However, prices have not decreased as expected, in some markets, a pack of sanitary pads (Cotex) still costs 1,200 to 1,500 Rwandan francs, making it unaffordable for many underprivileged girls.
Health and gender experts say that helping girls access menstrual hygiene products is a crucial step in fighting gender inequality, preventing school absenteeism, and protecting their health. They call on government institutions, parents, and partners to work together to establish sustainable ways to make these products affordable for rural girls.
Reducing the price of Cotex and improving access to menstrual hygiene products would significantly enhance girls’ health, confidence, and education. According to MINICOM, efforts are ongoing to ensure that every girl in Rwanda can live comfortably and with dignity during her menstrual period.
