Womenchoice Industries

Demonstrating the ripple effects of a small pilot project on improving Menstrual Health in the DRC, in creating hope and possibility.

Women and girls gathered to learn about menstrual and reproductive health, and entrepreneurship in Uvira.

Globally, an estimated 500 million individuals lack proper access to menstrual products and facilities, a challenge that is particularly acute in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the last year, Rockflower, in partnership with SOFDI in the DRC and Womenchoice Industries in Tanzania have been working to address this issue through a pilot project that takes a holistic approach to providing sanitary products whilst at the same time creating educational and economic opportunities to address some of the root causes of this problem.

In the DRC, the lack of access to menstrual products coupled with high poverty rates create formidable barriers to young girls and women being able to effectively manage their menstrual cycles. With nearly 62% of Congolese society living on less than $2.15 a day, makes the monthly cost of $2-$3 for disposable pads completely out of reach for many families. This economic strain forces many girls to miss school during their periods or resort to unsafe menstrual practices, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and marginalization.

Period poverty is a challenge that affects every aspect of women’s lives. Inadequate sanitary facilities and the high costs of menstrual products exacerbate educational and health disparities, disproportionately affecting girls creating setbacks for future opportunities.

SOFDI has now completed a full report on the recent joint project and it provides valuable insights and practical lessons into the state of menstrual health in the DRC. The study found significant gaps in menstrual knowledge; for example, in the Uvira community, less than three-quarters of respondents understood menstruation as a normal physiological process.

Additionally, the study highlighted the dire consequences of inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities. In some regions, laws mandate that menstruation be managed in separate facilities. However, many schools only provide a single bathroom for all students and staff, leaving menstruating individuals with no appropriate space to attend to their needs. In Kazimia, 36.6% of girls identified the lack of proper facilities at schools as a major barrier to attendance, with the risk of sexual and gender-based violence cited by 15.4% as a further deterrent.

However, simply providing menstrual products to those who menstruate will not solve the problem alone. A holistic approach, including standardized education and community conversations is needed.

The foundation of the project was for SOFDI and Womenchoice Industries to work together to introduce the Salama Pad, a reusable sanitary pad, created and sold by WomenChoice to these communities in the DRC. Salama Pads come in sets of five and are sold for approximately $5 and can be reused for several months. By doing this in tandem with comprehensive education and practical knowledge they were seeking a holistic solution to this challenge. Made from locally sourced materials, these pads reduce the health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene and offer an environmentally friendly and more affordable alternative to disposable products.

The initiative's reach has been extensive, providing training and resources across several districts. Educational workshops have equipped over 100 women and girls with crucial knowledge on menstrual and reproductive health, coupled with skills in entrepreneurship. These sessions are vital in building a supportive community where menstrual health is openly discussed and managed.

Moreover, the project has catalyzed community discussions around menstrual health. These conversations are vital in reshaping perceptions and ensuring that menstruation is recognized as a natural, not shameful, part of life.

The community's response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many women expressing relief at the reduced cost and increased safety of the Salama Pads compared to disposable options. The project has sparked significant community engagement, with men and boys also participating in discussions, breaking down long standing taboos.

In total, 6,224 quantitative interviews were carried out: 2,601 with girls, 2,601 with their guardian, and 1,022 with boys. Of the girls interviewed 73.8%, declared that when they first saw their period at school, they immediately left school and returned home. Only 2.5% of girls stayed at school until the end of the day. One in two girls, or 51.2%, usually uses a torn piece of clothing and only 30.8% usually uses a sanitary napkin.

As this project concludes, the success stories and positive feedback underscore the transformative power of addressing menstrual health head-on. Rockflower remains dedicated to supporting and expanding such initiatives, understanding that true gender equality begins with ensuring every woman and girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity.

Join us in supporting these vital efforts to empower women and girls in the DRC and beyond, as we continue to fight for a world where menstrual health is not a barrier to education or a cause for discrimination.

Advancing Maternal & Reproductive Health in the DRC: SOFDI & WomenChoice Update

Women gathered in the DRC, looking at various menstrual hygeine products.

In a groundbreaking effort to mitigate the state of menstrual poverty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rockflower's collaborative project with Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFDI) and WomenChoice Industries is making significant progress. This partnership, backed by Rockflower's commitment to fostering a cross-pollination of ideas and resources, aims to transform the lives of women and girls in the DRC through education on menstrual health and economic empowerment.

Despite the DRC's rich natural resources, conflict, political upheaval and instability have greatly contributed to widespread poverty and a high rate of domestic violence. This backdrop makes this collaborative project not only timely but essential. Lucy Odiwa of WomenChoice and Dr. Alice Lukumbu Rose of SOFDI, through their combined efforts, are bringing hope and tangible change to the lives of women in the region.

The project kicked off with an ambitious goal: to educate over 150 women in the DRC on menstrual and reproductive health, while also providing entrepreneurship training. The initiative introduced women to Salama Pads, a sustainable menstrual hygiene product developed by WomenChoice Industries. This effort is supported by a comprehensive approach that includes savings and lending programs to bolster the participants' economic standing.

The first training session of the program took place in early December, 2023, in Baraka, a town in the southern province of Kivu. The session attracted over 40 young girls and women, primarily members of women's organizations in the Fizi territory and Baraka. The enthusiastic participation from this session underscores the community's eagerness and readiness for change. Participants have now embraced the knowledge as a tool for change and are committed to disseminating what they have learned.

The training's methodology, which included online sessions followed by in-person meetings, allowed for a comprehensive learning experience. Participants were introduced to reusable menstrual products for the first time, learning not only about their health benefits but also their positive economic impact. This education challenges the status quo, breaking down taboos and offering women and girls a new perspective on menstrual health management.

The success of this initial session is just the beginning. SOFDI, with the support of Rockflower and WomenChoice Industries, plans to extend this program to other areas, including Uvira and Kazimia, reaching more women and girls and continuing to challenge and change the narrative around menstrual health and economic empowerment in the DRC.

This collaboration between SOFDI and WomenChoice Industries, exemplifies the power of partnership and innovation in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing women and girls today. As we continue to monitor their progress, we are reminded of the potential for change when communities come together, supported by a vision of growth and equality.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow this inspiring journey towards a future where every woman and girl in the DRC can live in dignity, free from menstrual poverty.

SOFDI & WomenChoice Industries Join Forces to Empower Women in the DRC

One of the key elements of Rockflower’s work is to promote a cross pollination of ideas, resources and best practices. Understanding the nuanced qualities of each partner and their individual and collective skills and capacity is at the core of our work. Tine Ward, Founder and CEO of Rockflower, was keen to bring together Lucy Odiwa of WomenChoice and Dr. Alice Lukumbu Rose of SOFDI to work together on a combination of efforts to promote menstrual health solutions whilst also promoting economic empowerment. 

The DRC is a nation endowed with a wealth of natural resources, yet conflict, political upheaval and instability have meant that the Congolese people see very little of that wealth. In a country where over 50% of women suffer from domestic violence, and the majority of the population lives on less than $2.15 USD per day, the need for change and opportunities is undeniable.

This innovative collaboration between SOFDI in the DRC and WomenChoice Industries in Tanzania will boost the skills, decision-making power, and economic resources available to women and girls in the DRC. Rockflower is delighted to be both the connector and the seed funder for this pilot project. 

Lucy Odiwa, Co-Founder and CEO of WomenChoice Industries, is an inspiring entrepreneur who has created a social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable menstrual hygiene products. Their flagship product, Salama Pads, offers reusable sanitary towels made from locally sourced second-hand fabric.

Dr. Alice Lukumbu Rose is the Executive Director of SOFDI, and has spent many years making strides toward gender equality by advocating for women and girls' access to decision making in positions of political, social and economic in the community.

The two organizations have joined hands to bring WomenChoice Industries’ life-transforming model to the women of the DRC.


This six month initiative aims to educate over 150 women in the DRC on menstrual and reproductive health, provide entrepreneurship training and introduce them to Salama Pads. SOFDI is the implementing partner for this endeavor, and WomenChoice Industries will provide products, virtual entrepreneurial training and guidance along the way. Beyond that, participants will have access to a savings and lending program to support and expand their businesses. The project will also collaborate with women's organizations, local government officials, and media outlets to spread the word about this life-changing endeavor.

This unique collaboration offers hope and empowerment for women and girls in the DRC, by providing them with a realistic pathway to financial independence whilst also improving access to menstrual health hygiene products and knowledge. 

Stay tuned as we embark on this inspiring journey, working towards a brighter future for the women and girls of the DRC.

WomenChoice Industries

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Tanzania

Schools and borders are closed. However, Tanzanian President John Magufali has been criticized for encouraging the public to attend places of worship. President Magufali has stated that Dar es Salaam will never be in lockdown.

Concerns and Challenges

Business has slowed as travel restrictions have been put in place that limit the transit of goods to one driver.

Adaptation Measures

In addition to manufacturing reusable sanitary towels, WomenChoice Industries has begun producing and distributing reusable masks to their staff and the local community.

Rockflower’s Emergency Fund donated the money for WomenChoice Industries to make face masks for our other partner in Tanzania, Mategemeo Women Association. They were finished last week and sent by bus from Tanga to Arusha.

Scaling Production of Reusable Sanitary Pads Project

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Rockflower is launching a campaign to scale up the production of reusable sanitary pads and other feminine hygiene products made by Womenchoice Industries to improve economic opportunities for low income families in Muheza, Tanzania and to keep girls in school.

The goal of $7,900 will cover Womenchoice Industries entire budget for increasing production and helping tens of thousands of girls gain access to menstrual products and improve their capacity for full retention in school.

The Scaling Production of Reusable Sanitary Pads Project campaign is being led by Mollie Meredith, a member of our Youth Advisory Board.

About Womenchoice Industries

Womenchoice Industries is a social enterprise established to provide solutions to menstrual and other feminine hygiene problems. Through the production and distribution of low cost, affordable (MHM) reusable sanitary towels, “Salama Pads”, post-partum maternity pads, reusable tampons, diapers and breast pads, they are creating a market opportunity for women and girls from low income families, to learn skills and business acumen that will in turn improve girls’ school attendance and academic performance in Tanzania. Additionally, Womenchoice Industries owned by Lucy Odiwa won the SDGs and Her competition in 2018 hosted by the World Bank and UN Women.