Home

Sustainable Health Enterprises

Girls Need Better Access to Sanitary Pads, Period.

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Ian Goldsmith
Topics: Economic Development, Health, Women
Countries: Rwanda

Adolescent girls in developing countries miss up to 50 days of school each year because their families can't afford to buy them sanitary pads.

Fortunately, a start-up called Sustainable Health Enterprises (or the cleverly abbreviated SHE) is working to reverse this trend by helping Rwandan women start their own low-cost sanitary pad businesses. SHE is helping girls stay in school and increasing their potential earning power in the process. One additional year of primary school for a girl means a 10-20 percent increase in her future wages, according to a Council on Foreign Relations study.

This short, eye-catching video explains why SHE is doing the work that it does... The music's great, too.

Bookmark/Search this post with:
Keywords: Menstruation, Sustainable Health Enterprises

Stories We're Watching
Subscribe

Singapore Prods Locals to Speak Better English

The Associated Press - Tue, 09/07/2010 - 12:32
"Borrow me $5 can?" may not be the most graceful way to ask for a few dollars, but it's music to the ears of many Singaporeans.

Afghan Expatriates Weigh A Return Home

NPR - Mon, 09/06/2010 - 21:00
In the years after the U.S. invasion, a steady stream of Afghans living abroad came home to help rebuild their country. Then, security started to get worse. There were more suicide attacks and a general feeling of unease. Now, many Afghans living abroad wonder: Is it worth it?

In Afghanistan, The Civil Service 'Surge' That Isn't

NPR - Tue, 09/07/2010 - 06:10
There's a critical shortage of Afghan civil service workers in southern Afghanistan. In dangerous regions such as Helmand and Kandahar, the insurgency has gained strength because the Afghan government is either corrupt -- or not around.

Women Running for Afghanistan Parliament Now Have Tougher Time

Los Angeles Times - Mon, 09/06/2010 - 18:45
Not since the Taliban have women running for seats faced such intense political intimidation, female candidates say. Many are deeply frustrated by their inability to get out and connect with voters.

Mozambique Government Reverses Bread Price Hike

The Associated Press - Tue, 09/07/2010 - 07:41
Mozambique's government is reversing bread and water price increases that had touched off deadly riots.
See all Breaking News >

Recent comments

Countries

An initiative of Mercy Corps
“You must be the change
you wish to see in the world”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Learn more about Mercy Corps >

Efficiency

Over the last five years, more than 89% of Mercy Corps' resources have been allocated directly to programs

Excellence

America's premier charity evaluator gives Mercy Corps four stars in organizational efficiency. Click here to learn more.

High Value

Every dollar you donate to Mercy Corps helps us secure $11.16 in donated food and other critical supplies.

Mercy Corps — Dept. W — 45 SW Ankeny — Portland, OR 97204
 All original content Copyright © 2009 Mercy Corps. Quoted and linked content is property of the creator(s). Mercy Corps will not sell, rent or trade your personal information.