Popular clothing brand Cotton On have truly blown me away with their latest creation, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson. Cotton On Body and TOM Organic have come together to create ‘period undies’ in a variety of cuts for women everywhere.
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No, this is not a sponsored post. It’s an appreciation post that is long overdue. Here’s why:
It’s no secret that period poverty is all too real in South Africa. Men, please don’t tune out here. This affects everybody.
*Period poverty is defined as the inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and educations, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management.
According to a 2014 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) report, one out of every ten menstruating youth misses school during their cycle due to lack of access to sanitary products and resources.
Not only is this statistic shocking, but elicits knock-on effects that are equally, if not more devastating – especially for South Africans.
In an article, the South African Human Rights Commission emphasised the ripple effects of a lack of access to sanitary products on the economic development of communities and countries as a whole. Therefore, female sexual and reproductive health are not just women’s issues, but are societal issues.
It can be said, without a doubt, that this natural cycle of maturation unnecessarily contributes to the divide that exists between men and women in terms of economic freedom and a general quality of life. This directly affects potential progress towards gender equality.
The harsh reality is that disposable sanitary products are just unaffordable for many girls and women. Together, these constraints may result in women and girls being denied basic human rights – like education.
To put it into perspective, a box of 32 Lil-Lets tampons costs R54.99 on average, while a pack of just 8 Designer Maxi Pads from Kotex costs around R19.99.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, women and girls should change their tampons or pads every four hours. That equates to 6 tampons and pads being used daily. Long story short (and me dodging the mathematics bullet), that’s a lot of sanitary products. Actually, it means that females could need a pack of pads a day. That’s R14o a week.
Here’s a short list of what R140 can buy a family:
- 14 bags of 1kg maize meal
- 7 bags of 1kg white rice
- 9 1 litre long life milk cartons
- 15 bars of soap
To add to the period poverty dilemma, some cultures stigmatise menstruation to the point of taboo. Couple this with a lack of awareness and education, and the effects are disastrous.
“A troubling misconception, particularly among men, is that the onset of periods signals the start of ‘sexual maturity’, and early marriage can become a consideration,” says the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
It’s for this reason that many in South Africa in particular avoid using sanitary products even if they have access to them. Early marriage, rape, and general stigmatisation – including that of being seen as ‘dirty’ – all come into play.
A friend of mine who is particularly passionate about obliterating period poverty once told me that girls in South African townships are so afraid of menstruation that they won’t use washable pads, because if they are seen hanging on a washing line, it’s a glittering signal to men in the community that a young girl is ready for sexual intercourse.
This is why Cotton On’s period undies are so revolutionary to me. They fulfil every need a young girl or women might need to remain dignified and empowered whilst menstruating.
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They look like a normal pair of undies, all while performing the vital functions of a really great sanitary pad that can be washed and reused. An added bonus is the environmentally friendly practice of not flushing or trashing non-degradable pads and tampons.
Cotton On’s period undies can be used on their own or as a back up with other sanitary products like pads and tampons.
“No leaks. No odours. No worries. Every bleeding day. Made with breathable organic cotton, so they’re gentle on you, and the planet,” says the brand online.
The specs:
- Four fits
- Three levels of absorbency
- Zero-fear layered protection
- Soft, breathable and made with organic cotton
- Reusable and easy to wash
At R250 a pair, these undies come at a bit if a steep price. However, when considering what you’ll be saving on disposable sanitary products, I’d say they are a solid investment.
Get yourself a pair and play the game of playing it forward by gifting someone who might not be able to afford them with a set of undies that could change their life.
Grab them in Cotton On Body stores or online.
Also read:
15 Positive affirmations that will sprinkle a little magic over your day
Pictures: TOM Organic Instagram