Menstruation is an experience shared among women around the world.
Yet, it is stigmatized and period taboos prevail, leading to a dangerous lack of menstrual health education that in turn enable myths to perpetuate and hold women back during their monthly cycle.
Femme International was founded on the belief that the menstrual cycle should never limit anyone’s ability to live their lives to the fullest – every day of the month. Girls should not be missing school, women should not be missing work, and nobody should feel ashamed of their bodies natural cycle.
Menstrual health is a critical component to a woman’s overall health, and when women don’t have access to safe menstrual products, the risk of other health issues, including UTIs, and other reproductive tract infections.
Femme International uses a combination of comprehensive health education alongside making sustainable menstrual products available to menstruators.
OUR PROGRAMS
The Twaweza Program is the updated version of Femme’s initial program designed in 2013. It has been continually updated and adjusted to reflect the needs of the communities, and implementing lessons learned. Femme’s team of trained facilitators deliver comprehensive health education workshops in schools, community groups, and with other NGOs that cover menstrual and reproductive health.
At the end of the workshop, participants are provided with Femme Kits, designed to include everything needed to safely and sustainably manage her period – including a reusable product of her choice.
The Twende Initiative aims to make high quality menstrual products available, affordable and accessible to all, by employing a network of trained local sales agents.
The Twende Initiative is a result of Femme’s connection to the community and emphasis on M&E and effective feedback mechanisms. Twende grew out of the demand generated by the Twaweza Program. Twende is a based on a social business model that empowers women to be agents of change in their communities. They are trained as sales agents, incorporating the sales of reusable menstrual products, along with menstrual health education and awareness.
Learn more about Femme International’s work by downloading our 2022 Annual Report.
We are here to break the period taboo by educating, engaging communities in conversations, and providing access to sustainable menstrual products. We are here to shatter the stigma surrounding menstruation.
