During a research that was conducted by Womena Uganda in collaboration with Womena’s knowledge management team from 19th -24th May 2020, it was discovered that the newly developed antibacterial ‘Befree Cup’ was effective in six districts where the study was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Befree Cup is a menstrual cup that does not require water for boiling and it lasts for more than 10 years, unlike other menstrual cups. Womena reached out to young girls (including university students) as well as women to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their menstrual status.
The research was also aimed at discovering if women and girls went through gender based violence and their general hygiene, among other objectives.
While speaking at a media cafe today 30th October 2020 at Fare Way Hotel, Shamirah Nakalema, the Project Manager at Womena Uganda revealed that most respondents admitted to facing challenges while trying to access reproductive health services.
The research was conducted in Ugandan districts of Kampala, Buikwe, Gulu, Adjumani, Kyegegwa (Kyaka II refugee settlement), and Kikuube (Kyangwali refugee settlement). Key telephone interviews were held on community members as well as beneficiaries.
Among the findings of the research, it was discovered that 35% of respondents experienced changes in their menstrual cycle as a result of the COVID-10 lockdown while 5% registered complete absence of menstrual periods. The research also discovered that 17% of the respondents knew someone who experienced gender based violence during lockdown.
During the same study, it was discovered that 48% of the respondents were not able to access pharmacies/stores or markets for the past 7 days before the interviewers reached out.
According to Nakalema, the Befree Cup was appreciated by most women and girls following the shortage of water. It was discovered that communities washed their hands more often which posed a challenge of water shortage.
Ms Jane from Adjumani, a satisfied user (beneficiary) of the Befree Cup revealed that she didn’t face any challenges while using it. According to Jane, the Befree Cup helped her save water throughout her menstrual periods.
According to Patrick Segawa, team leader at Public Health Ambassadors Uganda, they have partnered with Womena and other stakeholders to see that the Befree Cup is rolled out throughout the whole country at an affordable price.
When rolled out officially, a pair of the Befree Cup will be sold between UGX 30,000 to 40,000. Other brands of menstrual cups are sold between UGX 50,000 TO 80,000.
