Period Poverty Tanzania: Understanding the Challenge and Taking Action

Introduction

In Tanzania, menstruation remains one of the most overlooked public health and education issues — and for millions of girls and women, period poverty is a daily reality. Without access to safe menstrual products, clean toilets, or accurate information, many are forced to face their periods in silence, shame, and discomfort.

At Reepads Tanzania, we believe that no one should be held back from education, opportunity, or dignity simply because of their period. In this article, we break down what period poverty really means in the Tanzanian context, its wide-reaching impacts, and what we can all do to end it.

What Is Period Poverty?

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to sanitary menstrual products, menstrual education, proper sanitation facilities, and supportive environments needed to manage menstruation with safety and dignity.

In Tanzania, period poverty is driven by multiple factors:

High cost of disposable pads
Limited access in rural communities
Deep-rooted stigma and cultural taboos
Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools

This issue doesn’t just affect physical health — it has lasting impacts on a girl’s confidence, future, and participation in society.

The Impact of Period Poverty in Tanzania

1. Girls Miss School

According to national surveys, girls in Tanzania may miss 3 to 5 school days per month due to menstruation. That’s nearly a quarter of the school year lost. Without access to pads or private toilets, many girls prefer to stay home, falling behind in their studies and sometimes dropping out entirely.

2. Health Risks

In the absence of sanitary products, many resort to using old cloths, newspapers, leaves, or even mattress foam to manage their periods. These unhygienic alternatives can cause infections, rashes, and long-term reproductive health issues.

3. Stigma and Shame

Cultural taboos around menstruation cause girls to feel embarrassed, isolated, and ashamed. In some communities, menstruating girls are seen as unclean or are restricted from daily activities. This leads to poor mental health, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

How Reepads Tanzania Is Fighting Period Poverty

At Reepads Tanzania, we are committed to breaking the cycle of period poverty by providing practical, affordable, and sustainable menstrual solutions. Our mission is to empower women and girls through:

✅ Reusable Pads

We produce high-quality, comfortable, and affordable reusable pads that last up to 2 years. This drastically reduces the cost of menstrual care and offers a reliable, eco-friendly alternative to disposables.

✅ Menstrual Health Education

We don’t just provide pads — we also educate. Our outreach programs in schools and communities raise awareness about menstruation, debunk myths, and teach girls how to manage their periods safely and with confidence.

✅ School and NGO Partnerships

Reepads partners with schools, NGOs, and community leaders across Tanzania to distribute reusable pads, host workshops, and advocate for better menstrual hygiene policies.

Community Stories: Success Against Period Poverty

“Before we received Reepads, I used to miss classes every month. Now I feel confident and clean even during my period. I don’t have to worry about missing school anymore.”
– Amina, Form 2 Student, Dodoma

“We didn’t talk about periods before. But now, after the Reepads workshop, even our male teachers understand and support us.”
– Neema, Teacher, Mwanza

These stories are just a glimpse of the real-life change happening when menstrual health is prioritized.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re an individual, school, business, or donor, you can be part of the solution:

Buy Reepads for yourself or someone in need
Sponsor school kits for girls in underserved areas
Raise awareness about menstrual hygiene on social media or in your community
Partner with us for distribution, training, or outreach initiatives

Even a small contribution can make a huge difference in a girl’s life.

Conclusion

Period poverty in Tanzania is a challenge that affects health, education, and gender equality — but it is a challenge we can overcome together.

By making menstrual products more affordable, accessible, and accepted, we give girls the freedom to learn, lead, and live with dignity. At Reepads Tanzania, we are proud to be on the frontlines of this movement, and we invite you to stand with us.

Call to Action

Support our mission today.
Purchase reusable pads, donate to our school programs, or collaborate with us to reach more girls across Tanzania.

Visit reepadstanzania.com to get involved and help end period poverty — one pad at a time.