Femme International

Femme International is committed to teaching females in developing countries about menstrual health, and providing healthy and sustainable alternatives to traditional menstrual management. Schoolgirls in Kenya miss an average of 4 days of school each month due to their menstruation phases. In a lifetime, this can mean up to 5 years of education lost. Without access to feminine hygiene products, girls often resort to using mud, newspaper, tissue, bits of mattress, rags, and even previously used pads and tampons. These methods are uncomfortable, unsanitary, and dangerous to the girls' health and safety. Menstruation is a complicated problem with a simple solution. Learning about the female reproductive system is the first step. Femme's goal is to teach girls about their bodies, and about menstruation – what it means, what it does to their bodies, and how to manage their cycle in safe and effective ways. The second aspect is the distribution of menstrual cups. The cups are made of medical grade silicone, and can last up to ten years. With a menstrual cup, girls will be able to insert it in the morning, and not have to worry about it during school hours. Their periods become inconsequential; the girls no longer need income to manage their cycles, nor do they need to worry about leakage, discomfort or privacy. Not only are the cups more sanitary and environmentally friendly, they provide an essential element of sustainability.