Why I Support Menstrual Cups for Better Educational Opportunities

What do menstrual cups have to do with higher education?

Especially in countries of the Global South, girls are hindered from participating in everyday life during their menstrual days, and many girls are not even allowed to attend school. Imagine this: 22 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 are neither in school nor engaged in paid employment or further education. The consequences are dramatic, with teenage pregnancies and child marriages being among the worst outcomes. Currently, there are 125 million women in Africa who were married in childhood. Education, protection, and the simple experience of childhood are denied and taken away from these girls.

Nelson Mandela rightly stated, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Promoting the education and vocational training of girls and women in Africa leads to more recognition, self-determination, and protection against discrimination, exploitation, and diseases. This not only enables them to have higher incomes and the ability to support their families but also protects them from deception and empowers subsequent generations of girls and women in a sustainable manner.

Why menstrual cups?

Here, with little effort, a lot can already be achieved. Menstrual cups would be an effective tool to open the path from this so-called "menstrual poverty" to higher education levels and prevent early marriages and pregnancies through education and awareness. They offer the following advantages:

• Secure protection: no leakage of menstrual blood + protection against germs.

• Practical for everyday use: stays leak-free when properly used and can be used for up to 8 hours (a complete school/work day).

• No vaginal dryness: protection against fungi or allergies.

• Sustainable & environmentally friendly: reusable (lasts approximately 5-10 years).

• Cost-effective: around 5 euros (replaces over 2,000 tampons with proper care).

• Reliable during heavy flow: Holds more than other hygiene products due to a capacity of approximately 15-35 ml (needs to be changed only two to three times per day).

• (More about the advantages and safety of menstrual cups.)

My commitment since 2014

Since 2014, I have been deeply committed to the health and education of mothers and children in Africa. My engagement aims to bring about sustainable changes through targeted projects and initiatives. I am particularly passionate about supporting girls and young women, who can only shape their futures autonomously through access to education and healthcare.