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

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.

How SOFDI’s Soap Making Cooperative is Revitalizing a Village

Women's Solidarity for the Integral Development (SOFDI) based in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been a Rockflower partner for a number of years. Most recently they have been working to create sustainable livelihoods and improve hygiene in the village of Kazimia through teaching women how to make soap and operate a business. The organization aims to increase the active participation of women in decision making, politics and the governance system of all community structures. Creating opportunities for economic independence while providing education around human rights and financial literacy is a key pillar in achieving this goal. 

The province of South Kivu, located in the eastern part of the DRC, has been dominated by armed conflicts for more than two decades. Officially the war in the eastern provinces, which began in 1996, has been declared over. Several peace agreements have been signed, however in reality the war still continues, especially in the poorest parts of the nation. The unemployment rate in urban areas is 22% and school enrollment remains low which is one of the main reasons that new armed groups continue to form.This has led to increases in sexual violence and poverty.

Women in this area hold a great deal of responsibility and very little power to influence change. They care for the children, as well as the medical care of all family members and are responsible for fetching water, cooking on wood fires and preparing meals. With such a high unemployment rate, many women are in a position where they must support their families financially in addition to all of their other duties. 

The main source of income in the region is agriculture, although crop yields are highly variable and often do not provide enough food to carry families from one season to the next. Most of the farmers have poor quality seeds and equipment as well. In the village of Kazimia, the nearest town to purchase supplies is nearly 50 kilometers away, and for those who make the journey, the supplies they need are often not in stock.

SOFDI identified an opportunity to improve the local economy in Kazimia by revitalizing the soap making industry. Soap is one of the items that villagers must travel far to purchase and is often out of stock. It was clear that soap would sell in the area, and that it could be made in all seasons for a decent price. This led SOFDI to create the Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength) Cooperative to support women in the area and create economic opportunities. They decided to train 15 women in soap making as well as how to manage income and expenses and provided some literacy classes so that the women were well positioned to operate a business. These 15 women are the direct beneficiaries, however the impact on the local economy and hygiene will benefit the whole village.

The first round of training has been highly successful. Throughout the training around 500 bars of palm oil soaps in 3 different shapes were produced. After the training, they produced over 1,500 bars of soap and their first sales allowed the cooperative to purchase more raw materials and continue growing the business. In total they earned the equivalent of $273.15 USD in their first round of sales. More recent sales have been more challenging as the price of raw materials has greatly increased. However, they are still committed to producing soap, even with a lower profit margin and the women who received the training are now ready to train others in soap making.

As the cooperative has gained recognition, their demand has increased significantly, especially because their product dissolves more slowly than factory made soaps. The quality is much higher. Currently production varies from 150 to 300 bars of soap per week and the women work three days each week. They have created a management team to weigh the materials and ensure the business’ success. This new availability of soap has led to a real improvement in the hygiene of families as well. Previously they had to stock up on soap since they needed to travel so far, and many families couldn’t afford to do so. Now they can purchase soap as needed.

The potential for the growth of this business is huge. The members of the cooperative want to work to meet local demand first before expanding into surrounding areas. An unexpected benefit is that many women and young people are coming to the factory to stock up on soap to resell. This is great for the local economy, and the cooperative welcomes it. 

SOFDI’s Executive Director, Dr. Alice Lukumbu, who was one of the featured speakers for the recent Rockflower workshop on Peace and Security, said, “The creation of this unit has benefited the women and the whole village in many ways. Before the start of this activity, obtaining soap required great effort because we had to go to Baraka and Uvira to buy it. Not only is the journey tiring for so little, but also the stocks were often limited and one could move around and get nothing in the end. The finalization of the artisanal soap factory cooperative has overcome their last doubts and allows them to dare to believe that their life will no longer be quite as it was before. I think that in addition to the material benefits, such an attitude is beneficial for the advancement of the village.”

Updates on SOFDI's COVID-19 Mini-Project

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic many of Rockflower’s partners have been forced to suspend their projects for a period of time. Some organizations completely pivoted their planned projects and others created new projects to address the challenges faced by their communities as they battled the pandemic, more specifically, lack of resources and lack of education around COVID-19. 

The DRC is currently designated by the CDC as a Level 4 COVID-19 Zone, meaning that they have a very high level of transmission currently. To date, the nation has reported more than 50,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The pandemic has thrown fuel on an already blazing fire of devastation in a country in the midst of battling rampant terrorism, violence and further displacement of its citizens. 

The humanitarian situation in the DRC is catastrophic. Terrorist groups including the ADF, which the United States has deemed a terrorist group, are considered the deadliest of scores of armed militias that roam the country. Since 2013, the ADF has killed over 6,000 civilians. Terrorism and attempts at ethnic cleansing have lead to the current situation in which 4.5 million people are internally displaced, and more than 890,000 people from Congo are registered as refugees and asylum seekers. Recently, U.S. special forces were authorized to intervene to help the Congolese army fight the Allied Democratic Forces, an armed rebel group.

Rockflower partner, Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFDI), a community-based, not-for-profit organization based in the Fizi Territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), launched a project in February to empower and educate women in the face of the pandemic. Rockflower funded this six-month micro-project that aimed to address these needs. This project has since been completed, and SOFDI has shared an update on the overall impact.

The COVID-19 Response Micro Project was mutli-faceted and addressed issues affecting women and children in the Fizi Territory. The team at SOFDI installed a number of hand-washing stations in public spaces and schools, educated teachers and community members about the virus, on how to prevent it and in addition distributed much needed food. 

One of SOFEDI’s public hand-washing stations.

They also provided 60 women with professional training in order to gain economic independence. The team was able to additionally include education on gender-based violence during the group gatherings. SOFDI raised awareness by creating a public campaign promoting COVID-19 preventative measures and the newly installed hand washing stations through radio broadcasts, megaphone announcements, pamphlets and banners throughout the community. The goal of the project was to directly work with 60 women to improve their education of public health, women’s health, and economic opportunities. In addition this indirectly affected thousands of people by providing hygiene materials and education around COVID-19.

Throughout the duration of the project, SOFDI conducted a number of interviews and field studies to better understand how effective the program was, and how they could continue to educate and empower the community moving forward. They found that there was a significant increase in the understanding of COVID-19 and its effects. Before the program, 37% of those interviewed were aware of the effects COVID-19, as compared to 86% at the end of this project, a nearly 50% increase. They also saw a 15% increase in community members who were practicing at least two preventative barrier measures. These include social distancing, mask wearing, restraining from physical contact, washing hands often and limiting indoor gatherings.

Additionally, 60 disadvantaged women were chosen to participate in the program, where they were divided into four groups, or cooperatives, and met weekly to discuss issues relating to the pandemic and to learn valuable job skills. Five women in each group were selected to pursue vocational training, in entrepreneurship and agricultural business. They focused on tailoring, soap making and information technology. The group leaders were then able to share what they had learned with the rest of their cooperatives. These women received valuable employment skills, as well as important information about COVID-19 that they could then share with other community members.

Addressing the community’s knowledge around COVID-19 was the primary goal of this project, however the organization was able to take advantage of these educational gatherings to address issues related to the promotion and defense of women’s rights each week. In these sessions, the women discussed issues of gender-based violence, human rights and sexual and reproductive health. The organization found significant improvement in the group’s knowledge of female empowerment and safety.

Looking forward, SOFDI aims to continue educating the community about COVID-19 and work toward stopping the spread of the virus. They are also hoping to set up a number of vocational centers for women and girls, where they can learn valuable job skills, as well as gain knowledge on women’s rights. The COVID-19 Mini-Project has had a significant positive impact on this community, for which the pandemic has added yet another layer of struggle to an already dire humanitarian situation affecting the DRC. Rockflower looks forward to continuing to support SOFDI as they consistently work to improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls.

Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,000 coronavirus cases yesterday. The state of health emergency was extended for a second time last week.

Challenges and Concerns

The current state of health emergency has increased food prices in the retail market leading to starvation.

Adaptation Measures and Emergency Fund

Through the financial support of our Emergency Fund, Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) was able to arrange a group meeting with 30 vulnerable women, girls and boys. The goal was to provide information on preventative measures against COVID-19 and domestic violence. In addition to the education session, food parcels of millie, rice and washing powder were distributed.

SOFEDI has expanded their existing Food Security Program due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus. The program was created to address the growing challenge of food insecurity in emergency situations. Vulnerable families are identified, including elderly grandmothers with grandchildren, the sick, and sudden deaths. A total of 40 families are chosen every three months and are provided with food parcels. This lessens a worrisome burden while employment and new ways of sustaining livelihoods are sought. After three months has elapsed, families are reassessed.

“Rockflower’s belief in us has contributed to SOFEDI being the “heroines of hope” to whoever knocks on our doors for assistance.”

— Dr. Alice Lukumbu Rose, Executive Director of SOFEDI

Update from July 2020

SOFEDI has been witnessing the increasing challenges occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of a civil war in the Fizi and Uvira districts. These districts are already high risk for rural women and girls because of current living conditions.

While the government has called for a State of Health Emergency, SOFEDI has continued to support the women and girls in the South Kivu Province through advocacy and programming, such as their “Peace First” program.

Rockflower Completes Fundraising Campaign to Begin First Phase of Training Peacebuilders in the DRC

Rockflower’s partnership with Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) has begun after the completion of their initial fundraising campaign. The first phase of training women in conflict prevention and peace-building in the Democratic Republic of Congo will begin soon, as the campaign has not only reached its goal but exceeded it.

The first phase of training will include: promotion of women's human rights through training of monitors; increasing women’s representation in public decision-making; combating violence and ensuring zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination against women and girls; promote leadership transformation; promote good governance practices; and build and strengthen women’s coalitions for women’s empowerment.

Hannah Dawicki, a member of our Youth Advisory Board, led the Promote Women's Participation in Conflict Prevention and Peace Building campaign to it’s successful conclusion.

Promote Women's Participation in Conflict Prevention and Peace Building

Rockflower is launching a campaign to begin work with Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) on the first of three training activities to educate and inspire women in marginalized communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to actively contribute to a just, peaceful and democratic society.

The goal for this fundraising campaign is to train 50 women peer educators in conflict prevention and peace building. These women will go on to train a further 200 women in conflict prevention and peace building.

Funds raised from this campaign will cover the costs of renting meeting space and purchasing training materials as well as participant transportation and meal costs.

The Promote Women's Participation in Conflict Prevention and Peace Building campaign is being led by Youth Advisory Board member Hannah Dawicki.

About SOFEDI

With elections scheduled for December 23rd, 2018 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and tensions running high as to the outcome, Rockflower’s newest partnership with SOFEDI is particularly timely.

Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) was established in 2014 as a grassroots, community-based, not-for-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) in Kazimia, Fizi District Administration Office (DAO). Since its inception, SOFEDI has been advocating for women's and girls' access to decision making in political, social and economic positions within the community.

Within a short period of time, SOFEDI has established itself as a leading organization working in the sector of women's equal participation in decision making. It has introduced and established the agenda "Women in Politics", which has been expanded and adopted by others in the district. The organization has continuously supported and advocated for human rights, social protection and the establishment of democratic practices. It has implemented voter education programs in Fizi zone, to educate the public on leadership opportunities for women and girls.