An award-winning invention aims to provide low-cost reusable sanitary pads to the developing world. But will they reach the women who need them most?Even in 2015,menstruating females in Asia and Africa are shunned as unclean and gain difficulty getting hold of sanitary products. A 2011 survey for the Indian government found that only 12% of women across India expend sanitary pads. Others expend old rags, and unhygienic substances such as sand, and sawdust,leaves, mattress foam and even ash to stem their monthly bleeding, and with implications for their health and education. Menstruating girls in both Asia and Africa are unable to go to school during their periods,or drop out of school altogether.
Japanese design student Mariko Higaki Iwai hopes that she can help execute the lives of girls and women better with her design for a simple reusable pad, which has won some tall-profile awards and plaudits from development professionals. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com