In 2024, Ripple Africa distributed 250 menstrual cups to girls in six primary schools, and one secondary school. The project included comprehensive training sessions on menstrual health and how to use menstrual cups. Feedback from the girls and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many girls reporting improved confidence and increased school attendance.
In Malawi, many girls face challenges managing menstruation due to limited access to affordable and sustainable period products. This often leads to missed school days, reduced participation in daily activities, and health risks associated with using unhygienic alternatives.
To combat this we have launched a menstrual cup project, providing a long-term, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to menstrual health management.
Economical: Reusable for up to 10 years, a single menstrual cup reduces the ongoing cost of purchasing disposable sanitary products.
Environmentally Friendly: Menstrual cups create minimal waste, making them a sustainable alternative to pads or tampons.
Healthier Option: Made from medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are safe and hygienic when used properly, helping to prevent infections. There is no odour either.
Empowering: Girls using menstrual cups feel more in control of their menstrual health and are better able to attend school and engage in daily life without interruption.
In our Menstrual Cup report we caught up with three girls who have been benefitting from using their menstrual cups. One girl called Nyless said:
“I am very happy that I have a menstrual cup as there is no leaking, and I can now play netball without worrying that my (sanitary) pad might fall out.”
Following the success of the pilot we aim to work with more school girls to expand the menstrual cup project. The aim is to ensure that no girl misses out on education due to her period. We also plan to roll out the project with women living in rural Malawi to help alleviate the challenges that they face when on their period.
You can be part of the change. Supporting our menstrual cup project helps us provide girls with the tools, education, and confidence they need to thrive. For £10 you can support a girl or woman in Malawi to receive a menstrual cup.