Starting this project was more than just giving, it was more than just seeing warm smiles on youthful faces, it was more than sharing an experience, or affirming a touching testimony. The true and raw roots of where these products came from are just as important as the giving itself. Again, thanks to the incredible SaCoDe team for helping me bring this powerful project to life. The Agateka reusable menstrual sanitary pad is one of many projects SaCoDe tackles, to help uplift impoverished areas in Burundi and many other countries in Africa. This pad’s initial use aims to promote girls’ menstrual health and hygiene, as it lasts up to 3-5 years, and comes in different sizes, in order to satisfy the needs of many.
During my time in Burundi, I was especially lucky enough to be able to visit SaCoDe’s Agaetka menstrual pad factory and truly witness and experience behind the scenes of such a powerful invention. Not only are these pads utilized by thousands of girls, they also provide jobs for hundreds of women and men in need of income. Just like seeing the smiles on faces, witnessing the process that is put into making a reusable menstrual pad evoked the same warmth I initially felt when giving back, in fact these feelings were even more robust. The process and hard work nourished within a pad is visibly displayed through its major effects towards young girls throughout.
After closely observing the production of my contribution, I couldn’t help but desire to further nourish the cause, realizing that menstrual hygiene products aren’t the only thing needed to support this dilemma, the development of convenient and environmentally friendly resources in order to create these products are in much need as well, especially in underdeveloped countries like Burundi where resources are limited. After purchasing more than 500 Agateka reusable pads, I believe it’s safe to say that these pads were created with power, love, and care as well as donated for a significantly great cause. My experience in working with the girls, working with the SaCoDe team, experiencing an witnessing life through a distinct lens, giving back, and my overall time in Burundi, has sparked a breakthrough in my thinking, and has shifted my perspective on societal problems, especially ones that are unspoken about worldwide.
