In Musanze District, adolescent girls affirm that KosmoPads, used for menstrual hygiene, have been a solution because they are reusable for a long time and protect them from getting stained, which helps them feel safe during their periods and prevents them from missing school.
Mutuyimana Charlotte, a student at GS Murora in Musanze District, explained how KosmoPads reusable sanitary pads produced by the Kosmotive company, are a sustainable solution both hygienically and economically. She said:
“I used to wear clothes during my period, and while sitting in class, the pad would get full withouta noticing, and I’d find myself stained. What I like most about these new pads is that I can use them for a long time, and they help us save money.” KosmoPads can be used for up to two years since as they are washable.
Umutesi Liliane, also a student at GS Murora, shared: “I used to have a hard time getting pads because my parents didn’t pay attention to it. Today is such a good day because now we have what we needed. Before, I had to look for money to buy pads often. Now I won’t have to struggle or stress about it anymore.”
Kayiranga Theobald, the Vice Mayor of Musanze District in charge of Social Affairs, emphasized that men should be proud to support girls and women in maintaining menstrual hygiene. He said:
“This initiative is not just for girls and women, we should all support, whether men or women, because these are our sisters and wives. We must all embrace the message: ‘Together, let’s build a world that understands and respects menstruation.’”
Kayiranga Theobald, the Vice Mayor of Musanze District in charge of Social Affairs
Blandine Umuziranenge, founder and CEO at Kosmotive, said their KosmoPads project has helped many to access reusable and long-lasting menstrual hygiene products. These products not only save money but also ensure that girls no longer miss school due to lack of menstrual supplies. She also noted that more collaboration is needed to sustain this hygiene solution.
Umuziranenge added: “As we celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day, let’s remember that the seed we’ve planted here in Musanze can bear fruit and help many others across the country who still face challenges during their periods.”
“Everyone here has a role to play in spreading awareness so that everyone can access the menstrual products needed. Together, we can build a world that understands and respects menstruation, where no one is left behind or denied opportunities simply because of a normal biological process like menstruation.”
Blandine Umuziranenge, founder and CEO at Kosmotive
In addition to providing menstrual hygiene products, Kosmotive has also conducted awareness campaigns across all provinces of Rwanda to promote menstrual hygiene and fight stigma and harmful cultural practices that hinder the development of girls.
Kosmotive as social enterprise, aims at improving reproductive health, maternal and child health in Rwanda and eventually across Africa, with better access to health services for mothers and children and access to sustainable feminine hygiene products.
Adolescent girls enroll at GS Murora have received sanitary pads from KosmoPads
Aline Nyampinga