A local factory in Masaka City, producing reusable pads has become a beacon of hope for vulnerable women, offering employment opportunities and a chance for personal transformation.
Situated in Lwannunda Village, Nyendo-Mukungwe Municipality, the factory has become a significant source of livelihood for vulnerable women, who currently comprise 95 percent of its workforce. Engaging in various tasks such as assembling raw materials, sewing, quality assurance, and management, these women are finding avenues for economic stability and personal growth.
Danstan Tugume, the AFRIpads Factory manager, emphasized the recruitment focus on committed yet vulnerable women, aiming to empower them to positively impact their community. “We have so far recruited 85 women here permanently, and we promise to continue supporting the mothers,” he stated during a stakeholders’ factory tour on International Women’s Day.
The factory’s commitment to women’s empowerment aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Accelerating gender equality through women’s economic empowerment.” Tugume highlighted the significance of prioritizing women in their workforce, recognizing their firsthand experience with menstrual hygiene and the potential to inspire hope in others.
Among the success stories from the factory is Judith Nassaka, who joined as a casual laborer in 2009. Facing hardships after her husband’s rejection due to her child’s disability, Nassaka found solace and support within the factory. Over the years, she transitioned from a cutter of materials to a chief technician, managing an entire department and providing for her disabled son’s medical needs.
Similarly, May Nabwami’s journey reflects the transformative impact of employment at the factory. Unable to afford university education due to financial constraints, Nabwami’s personal experiences with menstruation and economic hardships fueled her dedication to her work. Through her employment, she gained the opportunity to pursue higher education, enhancing her career prospects and financial stability.
Shakirah Nansubuga, a supervisor at the factory, found renewed hope after her husband’s abandonment left her with two children. Joining the AFRIpads Factory became a turning point in her life, enabling her to purchase land and build a home for her family. Nansubuga emphasizes the importance of women’s economic independence and urges others to embrace opportunities for self-sufficiency.
Joris Boon, the CEO at AFRIpads, underscored the factory’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in reducing school absenteeism among girls due to menstrual issues. Beyond producing sanitary towels, the factory’s impact extends to providing meaningful employment opportunities for women.
In Uganda, menstrual hygiene remains a critical issue, with societal taboos often hindering girls’ and women’s access to adequate resources. The Masaka Reusable Pads Factory stands as a testament to the transformative power of economic empowerment, offering not only sustainable menstrual solutions but also dignity and hope to women in the community.
