The Menstrual Cup as a 'Development Device': Empowering Solutions to End Period Poverty

I establish in my previous post the urgency to prioritise women's reproductive health. As period poverty is a global issue regardless, a lack of equal access to water and sanitation facilities for women in parts of Africa, makes an already tough situation, much worse.

Figure 1: UN Women, 2019

As a woman living in the UK, concerns surrounding our period tend not to be about finding clean, running water. Or if we can find a sanitary, safe toilet. Therefore, westernised minds must be careful not to inflict a western problem solving approach onto countries with differing social requirements. Taking a lesson out of Wainaina's piece on 'How to Write About Africa', we should think purposefully about Africa in a way that does not make us a removed observer of social issues, nor an unflawed saviour. 

"Decolonisation goes beyond diversity and inclusion. It is the commitment to make marginalised communities un-marginalised by recognising them as part of the whole and welcoming them as agents of change."

- Adali, 2020

 

Instead, let us actively adopt a 'decolonised systems thinking' approach to rethink our methods; one based in care and empathy. Steps have been taken to try break down the pre-existing colonial structures of the WASH sector, that are restricting social change. By taking on 'ecological, feminist and indigenous thinking', we must listen to those who bear the brunt of period poverty in the continent. Embrace modest imaginaries: those which focus on the needs of people from their own perspective in search of what is easier, economical and safer. Moving away from more modern imaginaries which seek to impose inappropriate westernised methods, which are not based in context (Lawhon et al, 2022).

The menstrual cup as a 'development device'

In Kenya, 65% of women cannot afford sanitary products, so ingenious other solutions to menstruation must be looked into. The menstrual cup - a reusable, silicone cup, which may not be the most common period product in the west, has gained popularity in recent years. When viewed as a 'development device', menstrual cups may have the potential to 'shape and rework sanitation experiences and relationships' (Thieme, 2018, p.10). When trying to understand menstrual health in Kenya, menstrual cups may be a suitable option due to several reasons (Baars & Tapper, 2017):

Positives of the menstrual cup:

• Easy to clean; requires little water to sanitise

• Reusable and durable for 10 years

• Hygienic, less chance of yeast infections

• Comfortable and practical

Negatives of the menstrual cup:

• Culturally taboo - insertion of tampons and cups not viewed favourably

• Not always discreet to sanitise; problematic in public bathroom facilities

• Expensive up front costs

Ruby cup: Organisation donates 1 menstrual cup for every 1 that they sell. They provide education on female anatomy to schools across Kenya to help end period stigma.

Menstrual cups may not be the perfect solution to end period poverty, but I hope these posts have demonstrated the complicated nature of dealing with menstruation in parts of Africa - and that the work isn't done!