Reusable sanitary pad project, empowering women and girls

Sometimes, it takes a while before the positive impact of PUM experts’ advice becomes visible. This is the case in Kenya, where PUM collaborated with the Society Empowerment Project (SEP) on their Sexual Reproductive Health, Menstrual Health & Hygiene programme. PUM experts collaborated with SEP through remote advice in 2021 and a project on location in 2022. SEP has now informed PUM that they are delivering innovative training focused on re-usable Sanitary pads and are ready for further expansion.

The Society Empowerment Project (SEP) in Kenya is a National Non-Governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to empowering youth and promoting community development in the rural town of Oyugis and in Homa Bay County. One of their Health and Education programmes addresses Sexual Reproductive Health, Menstrual Health & Hygiene. In this region, menstruation often leads to significant challenges, including absence from school or work, exclusion from social activities, and poor hygiene. This period poverty negatively affects the lives and development of many women and girls. SEP was determined to find solutions to these challenges by producing and distributing reusable sanitary pads.

Collaboration with PUM

In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, SEP approached PUM for training to enhance their staff’s skills in producing and sewing reusable sanitary pads, and to develop the programme into a sustainable social enterprise. PUM expert in Textile, Gea Eleveld, began with remote advice, followed by guidance on location from Lise Bossink in 2022. Together with the local team, they designed reusable pads and sourced materials, developed a brand name, packaging, and an activation programme. They also drafted a business plan and developed the skills needed to establish a social enterprise and roll-out the concept. After her stay in Kenya, Lise maintained regular contact with SEP to support the implementation of product development, branding, material and machines procurement, and workshop lay-out.

Achievements and future expansion

In 2023, SEP secured funding from USAID, enabling them to professionalise further, including purchasing more advanced sewing machines and obtaining business development support. Two years later, the production and distribution of washable sanitary pads is in full swing. SEP proudly shared a video and images with PUM to showcase their progress and readiness for the future.

Festus O. Juma

Founder and Executive Director of SEP

“In addressing challenges associated with Menstrual Health & Hygiene, SEP is now delivering innovative training focused on reusable sanitary pads. This is the best option to effectively address period poverty for girls and young women while considering cost-effectiveness. Our packages include three reusable pads, a block of soap, wet bag, period tracker, user manual and a piece of clean cloth / cleaning towel for the cleaning process. The programme also includes sewing wet bags – small portable bags in which used pads/panties are kept upon replacement, awaiting washing.”

Gea Eleveld

Sector Coordinator Textile & Leather Industry & Consumer Goods

“For us, all the reasons for PUM’s existence come together in this project: empowering ambitious entrepreneurs in building a better future for their community; socially, ecologically and economically. We plan to replicate this project in other countries, supporting more women and girls facing period poverty.”