Inventing the meaning of where sanitary napkins cost as much as a day's salary

In Malawi, a package of sanitary napkins costs the same as the payday and girls often have to miss school because there is not enough cotton to use during the menstrual period.

According to the BBC, a package of sanitary napkins sold at stores in Malawi costs 500 kwacha or $ 0.75. This amount corresponds to the minimum wage per day of the employee, while in each menstrual period, girls must use at least two sanitary napkin packages.

Trinitas next to the girls.(Photo: BBC).

When it comes to menstruation, girls in Malawi often take advantage of old cloths by cutting chitenge , belts around the waist, into small pieces. But worn old cloths often rubbed against the body, causing them to hurt and easily deviate from their position, leading to embarrassing situations.

Not only that, but Malawi women also have to try to wash the old cloth in the early morning or late evening to avoid seeing people around. Drying cloth in a visible place is also a taboo here. Therefore, they often have to find hidden corners inside the house to spread the cloth.

However, Trinitas, a 31-year-old researcher at the University of Medicine in Blantyre, Malawi, has found a way to help many women solve their monthly difficulties during menstruation. When only two girls in the class went to school, Trinitas asked the teacher about the other girls and knew the reason why they asked to leave school all week was due to their period. Typically, Malawian women do not leave the home during the period.

Trinitas held a piece of cloth cut from chitenge.(Photo: BBC).

Trinitas remembers his previous school days and resents another generation of women who face difficulties in keeping their bodies clean. She bought an old sewing machine and began to make use of sanitary pads several times from local fabrics. Trinitas conducts research at schools and all girls are allowed to try out the tape she made herself. Feedback from the female students was very positive. According to them, the tape is easy to wash. The top layer is soft and spongy, providing a comfortable feeling.

The challenge Trinitas is trying to address is finding investment in a poor country like Malawi. She needed sufficient funds to produce mass sanitary napkins at reasonable prices for the people of Malawi. The girls are very happy with the benefits that this product can bring to them."The fixed wing part and the permeable funnel allow me to walk normally. We can play jumping rope and participate in all other activities," one female student said.