Makerere University To Make Sanitary Pads
Makerere University, will be contributing to the national and international cause to reduce absenteeism of poor schoolgirls and women during their menstrual periods and increasing job creation among the economically disadvantaged
The name MakaPads is an acronym for:
• M= menstruation
• A= administration
• K=knowledge
• A=affordability
Makapads are sanitary pads, which were innovated by Dr. Moses Musaazi of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).
They are produced from papyrus and paper, making them affordable (Cost about 50% of imported types), >95% biodegradable & chemical free. They are also the only sanitary pads made in Africa.
Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR), supported by the Rockefeller Foundation (RF), Revealed that: Poor schoolgirls (who had reached puberty) had a higher absenteeism from school and the academic performance for girls dropped at puberty level.
The research also showed that poor schoolgirls (in puberty) didn’t have access affordable sanitary towels during menstruation and as such, would skip school. Those who dared go to school used unhygienic provisions & faced humiliation from boys,
By ensuring that Makapads are affordable, this project contributes to the national efforts reducing absenteeism among schoolgirls during their menstruation.
Makerere University is very proud of this innovation as a research project that turned into a product. During several exhibitions and different for a, Makapads have generated great interest and polished the name of Makerere University.
Makapads are also internationally acclaimed and subsequently add to Makerere University’s outstanding capabilities in innovation.
Benefits of MakaPads
While there are over 32 brands of sanitary pads currently sold in Uganda, MakaPads are the only ones manufactured in Uganda AND from local materials. MakaPads are chemical free and its production, by design, largely manual so as to offer employment to many people. Over 70% of production cost is labor).
The introduction of MakaPads has also breathed new life into: refugees (UNHCR), former LRA (Kony) abductees (Gulu & Soroti), many unemployed individuals & house wives (Kampala, Masaka, Mukono).
Adapted from Makerere University Website
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