Reusable Sanitary Pads
Women and adolescent girls – particularly those living in poor rural and remote areas in Tanzania – struggle to access sanitary pads, as they are costly and often unavailable in local shops.
91% of rural shops do not sell disposable menstrual pads; even if they are available, buying them is stigmatised and culturally sensitive. This means 48% of schoolgirls miss up to 40-60 days of school per year due to menstruation. This affects their confidence, participation, and performance in educational activities. Lower attendance rates in schools severely limits academic potential and contributes to a cycle of disempowerment.
Furthermore, young women ad adolescent girls may resort to using unsafe alternatives such as cow dung, cornhusks, or other materials, leading to embarrassing leaks, odour, and even serious infections.
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By providing reusable sanitary pads, Comfy Care12 not only improves the menstrual health and hygiene of high school girls in rural Tanzania but also empowers them to stay in school, be confident, and pursue their dreams without interruption.
A Game-Changer
Safe and Hygienic
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Our reusable pads are made from breathable, skin-friendly natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and bamboo, reducing irritation and rashes. They wick moisture away, prevent bacterial growth, and have a waterproof outer layer to protect against leaks, keeping girls comfortable and hygienic.
Positive Environmental and Economic Impact
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Reusable pads are more affordable than disposables, saving families money and reducing waste over time. By supporting local production, Comfy Care12 helps create jobs, strengthens the economy, and fosters community empowerment
and sustainability.
Better School Attendance
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In many rural areas, lack of affordable sanitary products causes girls to miss school. Comfy Care12’s reusable pads help girls stay confident and focused, as they no longer worry about leaks or discomfort. With up to 18 months of use, these pads provide a reliable, long-term solution.
Empowerment and Education
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​The combination of comfort, hygiene, and confidence created by these reusable sanitary pads can empower young girls. Knowing that they have a reliable and affordable menstrual care solution means that they can continue their education without interruptions, and that in itself is empowering.
Our Kits
One Comfy Care12 reusable sanitary kits contains menstrual hygiene items that cover the needs of a menstruating woman or girls for up to 18 months.
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Stigma, Myths and Taboos
In rural Tanzania, menstruation is often surrounded by social stigma, myths, and taboos, which can have a significant impact on the lives of girls and women.
In some communities, even discussing or using sanitary products is stigmatized, as it challenges traditional views of menstruation and what is deemed appropriate or acceptable.
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Menstruation is commonly viewed as a private and shameful topic. Many girls and women feel embarrassed to talk about it, which can lead to a lack of education and awareness around menstrual health. As a result, many young girls may not know how to manage menstruation properly, leading to discomfort or even health issues.
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In some areas, there are superstitions about menstrual blood being dangerous or capable of causing harm. For instance, some people believe that menstrual blood can "curse" crops or animals, or that it can make men sick.
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In some rural communities, there are cultural taboos that prohibit menstruating women from participating in certain activities. For example, they may be discouraged from entering religious spaces, cooking, or participating in social gatherings. These restrictions reinforce the idea that menstruation is something "unclean" or "impure," which can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation.
The combination of stigma, myths, and taboos can have a lasting impact on girls' self-esteem, education, and overall well-being. It creates an environment where menstruating girls feel unsupported, leading to missed school days, feelings of shame, and poor menstrual hygiene practices.
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Creating a more supportive environment where menstruation is normalized and managed with dignity can help girls stay in school, maintain their health, and feel more confident in their own bodies.
Hiring local companies to provide reusable sanitary products in Tanzania offers significant benefits, especially for women in areas with limited economic opportunities.
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By supporting local businesses, Comfy Care12 and our supporters help create stable, long-term jobs for local women, empowering them financially and providing them with valuable skills. These jobs foster community development, as the income stays within the area and encourages other local businesses to thrive.
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Moreover, employing women to produce and distribute sanitary products reduces gender inequality, as it elevates women’s roles in the community and gives them more economic power. This empowerment also positively impacts their families and encourages young girls to continue their education, knowing their menstrual health needs are met.
Your donation doesn’t just help girls stay in school—it also contributes to local job creation, supports women’s economic independence, and strengthens the entire community, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and opportunity.
Local Products
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