Menstrual care and hygiene is a serious factor that has limited women and girls in many low-income communities, including interference with their academic pursuits. According to a feasibility study done by the BMC Women’s Health Biomedical that was published on 3rd January 2018,
“Girls reported substantial embarrassment and fear of teasing related to menstruation in the qualitative interviews and said that this, together with menstrual pain and lack of effective materials for menstrual hygiene management, led to school absenteeism. All policymakers interviewed reported poverty and menstruation as the key factors associated with school attendance.”
Even though the study as reported by BMC Women’s Health Biomedical was done in Entebbe – Uganda, Girls in various low-income communities in Uganda experience the same nonetheless.
Founded in 2020, Esonga Menstrual Care (EMC), is a social enterprise dedicated to changing the narrative of menstrual hygiene in Uganda. EMC/ Esonga’s approach is to empower women in reproductive age, especially by equipping them with knowledge of menstrual hygiene, and as well skills such as making reusable sanitary towels.
Esonga is spearheading dialogue in the menstrual care industry, educating communities, offering eco-friendly menstrual care products, and advocating for every young girl and woman to have access to safe and sustainable solutions.
According to Eric Omondi – Team Leader at Esonga,
“Menstruation is a natural bodily process that should not be considered a barrier or stigma. However, we also recognize the reality that many young girls and women are still forced to use unhygienic materials such as dirty rags, papers, or even sand during their periods. This not only poses serious health risks but also leads to discomfort and embarrassment for those who have no other options. With this in mind, we committed ourselves to finding long-term solutions that are safe for both people and the environment. Through extensive research and development efforts, we created a range of high-quality menstrual products made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and cotton cloth. These products are not only biodegradable but also free from chemicals commonly found in traditional disposable pads and tampons”
One of the approaches Esonga is using is conducting workshops to equip women and girls with knowledge on menstrual health, whilst distributing informational brochures in local languages so that involved parties are empowered to make informed decisions.
“…Moreover, we recognize the importance of advocacy in creating lasting change. That is why we collaborate with local and international organizations to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote menstrual hygiene management and reduce the stigma surrounding periods. We strongly believe that through collective efforts, we can create a world where everyone has access to safe and dignified menstrual care.” – Eric Omondi adds.
Since Esonga’s values are deeply rooted in social responsibility and sustainability, the body strives to not only produce high-quality products but also cultivate a culture of compassion, equality, and respect. Esonga seeks to pay fair wages to employees and create eco-friendly products and packaging.
Esonga has impacted thousands of women across Uganda since its founding and continues to do so through advocating for improved menstrual care.
Want to join the team and make an impact? Connect with Esonga on social media via
Esonga is located at © Esongamenstrualcare RM7, Customs House, Customs Road, Busia Municipality, and you can find more via www.esongacare.wordpress.com
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