Komani reusable pads

The Reusable Pad Revolution Begins

by news

In preparation for the Komani to Komani road trip in October, we want to quantify the impact of our reusable sanitary pads on the lives of the recipients. Dealing with such a private – and oftentimes even taboo – subject makes it challenging to collect data to achieve this. So we decided to form a focus group of schoolgirls to test and measure the upshot of Komani reusable pads as effectively as possible.

80 Girls, 1 School, Countless Futures

The beginning of May 2024 marked a significant milestone for the project. Against the arduous backdrop of Philippi, one of Cape Town’s poorest townships, the Komani team visited the warm and caring iThemba Labantu school. With the help of the collective role-players, we issued 100 environmentally friendly reusable sanitary pads to 80 students and 20 staff.

Our passionate ladies then led an educational session on menstruation, shattering long-held myths and stigmas. We equipped these future leaders with the knowledge to use and care for their new pads so that they will benefit from this sustainable solution for many years to come. The girls’ attentiveness and engagement, along with their innocent curiosity truly reflected their interest, which aligns perfectly with Komani’s mission to normalise period talk.

To capture the true impact of our work, each participant completed a detailed questionnaire exploring their backgrounds; existing menstrual knowledge, education, and support; and access to and affordability of period products. Once the young women have had a chance to use the pads exclusively for a few months, we will conduct a follow-up questionnaire, mirroring the initial one but including additional questions about their experience with the reusable pads. This before-and-after approach lets us quantify changes in key metrics such as days of school attended, comfort levels during their periods, and understanding of menstrual health. We also included open-ended questions to capture qualitative feedback. Using this data, we will gain valuable insights into the tangible impact of reusable pads on these girls’ lives, offering concrete evidence to support the expansion of our initiative.

Thank you, Sharon and Principal Octavius Alexander, for providing us with this platform. And to our generous sponsors at Macsteel, for their abundant support. It’s not just about pads; it’s about paving the way for brighter futures.

Combat Period Poverty with Reusable Sanitary Pads

This successful first phase is just the beginning. We’re gearing up for the ambitious K2K road trip in October 2024, aiming to reach thousands more girls across multiple communities. The warm reception from iThemba Labantu’s staff and students underscores the critical importance of our mission.

As we forge ahead, we remain committed to empowering schoolgirls, championing sustainable practices, and building a more inclusive society. But we can’t do it alone. That’s where you come in. By sponsoring Komani reusable sanitary pads, you’re not just providing a product – you’re investing in education, confidence, and long-term success. Together, let’s turn the tide on period poverty.

Are you ready to be part of this transformative initiative? Contact us today to learn how your Komani reusable pad sponsorship will create ripples of positive change across communities.

play sports during your period

Embracing Your Period Power in Sports and Life

by news

Focusing on reusable sanitary pads for sport ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

Are you ready to discuss something that’s totally natural but sometimes feels a bit awkward? Yep, we’re talking about periods and why they absolutely shouldn’t stop you from living your best life – whether you’re aiming for Olympic gold or just crushing it in your everyday adventures!

Boipelo AwuahPeriods and Performance

There’s a myth that you shouldn’t exercise or play sports during your period. Well, that myth is busted! Not only is it perfectly acceptable to be active during your period, but it can actually make you feel better too. Exercise eases period pains, improves your mood, and gives you more energy. In other words, whether you’re dreaming of being the next Boipelo Awuah or just want to go to school, don’t let your period hold you back.

Fact: Your period is not your enemy. Like getting taller or learning new things, menstruation is just part of growing up and it doesn’t have to slow you down one bit!

That said, let’s get real for a second. Sometimes, your period does make you feel a bit off your game. When you have cramps or feel tired, listen to your body and give it what it needs.

Embracing Your Cycle

Think about your menstrual cycle like it’s your own personal training program. Throughout the month, your hormone levels change, which affects your energy and mood. By tracking your cycle, you will learn to work with these changes instead of against them. For example:

  • During your period, focus on gentle exercises or activities that make you feel good.
  • Mid-cycle is when you feel strongest, so go for those high-intensity workouts or important games.
  • Premenstrual phase is a great time for longer, steady activities because you should have more endurance then.

Every body is different, and that’s what makes you uniquely awesome.

Go for Gold

With the Summer Olympics 2024 happening in Paris from 26 July to 11 August, imagine all those female athletes from around the world, competing at the highest level. Guess what, though? Many of them will be menstruating during the games. Shocked? Don’t be! These incredible women have learned that their periods don’t have to hold them back, and neither should yours.

Your Secret Weapon: Reusable Pads

Let’s explore 4 ways Komani reusable sanitary pads make the days on your period even easier:

  1. Comfort: They’re soft and secure, perfect for when you’re doing cartwheels or just chilling with friends.
  2. Confidence: No more worries about leaks when you’re in the middle of a game or a class.
  3. Coverage: Just wear, wash, and reuse.
  4. Kind to Earth: Komani reusable pads reduce waste going into rivers and the sea.

How Do I Use Them During Sports?

Great question! Using cloth pads during sports is simple. Thanks to their clever design, they stay in place better than disposables, so you can run, jump, and play without worrying. Plus, they’re breathable, which means you stay comfortable even when you’re working up a sweat.

Here are some tips for using reusable pads during sports:

  • Choose the right absorbency for your flow.
  • Carry an extra pad in your sports bag for easy changing.
  • Rinse the pad with cold water after use (if possible) before putting it in your wet bag.
  • Wash them as soon as you get home to keep them fresh for next time.

Motivation from the Pros

Check out these incredible athletes who’ve rocked their performances while on their periods:

  • Fu Yuanhui, the Chinese swimmer who openly talked about competing on her period during the 2016 Olympics.
  • Kiran Gandhi, who ran the London Marathon while free bleeding to raise awareness about period stigma.
  • Heather Watson, the tennis player who spoke out about how her period affected her game, encouraging others to do the same.

These women remind us that periods are just a normal part of life and don’t define what we can achieve.

Spreading the Word

Now that you know periods don’t have to hold you back, spread the word! Talk to your friends, your teammates, even your sports coaches. The more we talk about periods openly, the less awkward and scary they become for everyone. With the right mindset and reusable pads, you can do anything – run a race, ace a test, or even go for Olympic gold.

If you would like the chance to have free Komani reusable sanitary pads donated to your school, head over to Facebook or Instagram and share our posts today! We can’t wait to show everyone what you’re made of.