The circle of empowerment: women, ancestral wisdom for sustainability, Circular Economy and the fight against period poverty

By Dr. Isabela da Cruz Bonatto*

One of the most defining characteristics of women, the menstrual cicle and the power to give life, can be also one of the most contentious topics, surrounded by taboos, social stigma, and significant health, economic, environmental, and mental challenges. It may sound like an exaggeration, but unfortunately, the dignity - or lack thereof - with which menstrual periods are managed directly impacts the lives of millions of girls and women worldwide.

This issue is gaining global attention, but it is in Africa where some of the most alarming statistics and realities emerge. A UNICEF study found that in some parts of Africa, 50% of girls do not have access to menstrual products, forcing them to use unsafe alternatives like rags, newspapers, leaves, pieces of mattresses, or even sand. In rural Zimbabwe, girls have resorted to using cow dung as sanitary wear due to the rising cost of feminine hygiene products. In other cases, I have unfortunately witnessed girls using breadcrumbs - a heartbreaking reality that underscores the depth of the crisis.

The causes of period poverty are multifaceted. Menstrual products are often expensive, low-quality, or made with plastics that cause allergic reactions. For many families living in poverty, these products are considered a luxury, and in some communities, they are simply unavailable. Therefore, every month, millions of women and girls face the silent but pervasive challenge of managing their menstrual health with dignity.

What many of us take for granted—the ability to choose how and with what to manage our periods—is a distant dream for countless others. Beyond the lack of access to affordable products, cultural stigma and the environmental harm caused by disposable menstrual products further exacerbate the problem.

For women and girls in Africa, the challenges are twofold. Disposable pads not only contribute to environmental degradation but are also financially out of reach for many. In rural areas, a single pack of pads can cost a day’s wages, forcing families to choose between menstrual products and essentials like food or medicine. As a result, girls often resort to unsafe alternatives, putting their health at risk. Others simply stay home during their periods, being forced to miss school and falling behind in their education, enduring shame and isolation. In extreme cases, period poverty has led to prostitution, depression, and even suicide.

Photo: Isabela Bonatto

In many African cities, the lack of proper sanitation and waste management systems exacerbates the problem. Disposable pads are often discarded in open areas or burned, releasing toxic fumes due to the low-quality plastics they contain. Globally, billions of pads are discarded every year, many of which end up in dumpsites or polluting waterways. 
The environmental and economic burden of disposable pads is a stark reminder of the need for sustainable, affordable solutions. But to truly address this issue, what if we look beyond modern conveniences and draw inspiration from the past?

What if the solution to this modern crisis lies in the wisdom of the past? Ancestral practices, rooted in sustainability and community, offer a blueprint for addressing both period poverty and the environmental toll of disposable pads. Before the advent of disposable products, women relied on natural materials like cloth, moss, or banana fibers to manage their periods. These methods, though simple, were inherently sustainable and waste-free.

Photo: Isabela Bonatto

Today, modern reusable menstrual products—such as cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear—build on this legacy, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary technology. These innovations are not only eco-friendly but also economically empowering. A single reusable pad, for example, can last up to five years, saving women the recurring cost of disposable pads. Menstrual cups, made from medical-grade silicone, can last even longer—up to a decade—making them a one-time investment with lifelong benefits. For African communities, reusable sanitary pads have emerged as the most effective solution. With proper funding and support, projects can distribute these products free of charge in regions most affected by period poverty, while also providing menstrual education and leading conversations to break taboos surrounding menstruation.

Reusable pads can be a game-changer in many ways. Organizations are also leading the charge, producing affordable, high-quality reusable pads and creating jobs for local women. These initiatives not only provide sustainable menstrual solutions but also empower women economically, turning them into agents of change within their communities.

Photo: Isabela Bonatto

Breaking stigmas, empowering women and building a better future

The benefits of reusable menstrual products extend beyond economics and the environment. They also challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation. By normalizing conversations about periods and promoting sustainable alternatives, women are reclaiming their agency and reshaping cultural narratives. In doing so, they are not only addressing period poverty but also paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.
The Circular Economy aligns perfectly with these efforts, emphasizing the reuse, recycling, and regeneration of resources. By embracing this model and reclaiming ancestral knowledge, we can create a world where no girl has to choose between her education, health, and dignity.

Red days, smart ways! 

We can do it!

*Dr. Isabela da Cruz Bonatto is an ambassador for the Circular Movement, holding a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, with an MBA in Environmental Management. She works as a socio-environmental consultant, focusing on solid waste management, promoting the Circular Economy, and corporate sustainability. Residing in Kenya since 2021, she is a board member of the Together for Better Foundation and works directly with NGOs to combat period poverty and develop sustainable waste management solutions.