The Kiribati Facility has purchased disposable pads on behalf of Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) which are kept on campus for students to access when in need.
The pads are made by Taboo, an Australian company who donates to existing girl’s education programs around the globe through the sale of their products as well as supporting women here in South Australia.
In addition, the Kiribati Facility is trialling a project using products from Australian and American social enterprises, Modibodi (underwear) and Hannah Padusa (pads) respectively, based on their demonstrated values towards period poverty and its relationship to education, to distribute to select groups of young women at Kiribati Institute of Technology for whom access may be most needed.
The products have arrived in Kiribati to an enthusiastic reception by Kiribati Institute of Technology students! The pilot groups of students include disadvantaged youth who have returned to study, students living on outer islands and young mothers.
The products have been provided to I-Kiribati students with instructions on how to use effectively. These re-usable hygiene products also fit the environmental action plan the Kiribati Facility is supporting at Kiribati Institute of Technology.
KIT’s Inclusion and Equity Officer, Meere Maere, is the project lead with KIT’s Student Support Services. Meere says; “I hope that from this campaign students, especially females, will be able to break the cultural taboo that hinders menstrual hygiene being a normal matter, where women can still be among other students when having their period.”
Meere also highlights that a key part of the project is MHM education including how to use the reusable pads and underwear and period tracking apps, to prevent female students missing class time and being at any disadvantage in their learning
