At the Crossroads of Ecology and Dignity, SANURA and HDF Equip Schoolgirls in Sokodé with Reusable Pads

In this context of accelerating climate change, every gesture counts, and every disposable plastic-based sanitary pad tossed into nature is a small ecological disaster. From April 23 to 24, 2026, SANURA Association, with the financial support of Human Development Fund (HDF), launched an ambitious campaign in Sokodé that addresses three critical issues simultaneously: Menstrual dignity for schoolgirls, Environmental protection through reusable solutions and Community capacity building for long-term impact. The target schools were: El-Farouk, Lycée Kouloudé and Lycée Tchalo, three major educational institutions in the city of Sokodé.

Reusable Disposable: A Climate-Conscious Choice
In Togo, as elsewhere, waste management systems are already overwhelmed. The reusable sanitary pad offers a powerful alternative: Made from durable, washable fabrics (cotton, bamboo, or absorbent textiles, lasts 12 to 24 months with proper care, produces zero plastic waste, Reduces household expenses over time.
By choosing reusable kits, SANURA and HDF are not just protecting girls’ health, they are actively fighting plastic pollution in Togolese communities.

Training the Trainers: Building Local Capacity

A one-time distribution is not enough. Sustainability requires education.
For Schoolgirls, SANURA organized interactive awareness sessions explaining: The menstrual cycle, Proper use of reusable pads (changing, washing, drying in the sun), Storage and hygiene practices.

For Female Food Vendors, women who sell food in and around schools, often overlooked are the first witnesses when a young girl has her first period at school in panic, without supplies. SANURA trained these vendors: How to discreetly offer help and a reusable pad, Basic hygiene and waste management for reusable products. These women are now first responders for menstrual emergencies in their schools.

For School Administrators, each school received pedagogical toolkits to continue awareness campaigns independently.

After the training sessions, each participating girl received a reusable menstrual hygiene kit, demonstrated by SANURA volunteers.

SANURA extends its deepest gratitude to:
Human Development Fund (HDF): for funding this campaign and trusting SANURA’s field expertise; School principals and teachers of El-Farouk, Lycée Kouloudé, and Lycée Tchalo, for their warm welcome and collaboration; The female food vendors for accepting training and becoming menstrual first responders; All the girls, for their courage, curiosity, and smiles.

 What’s Next for SANURA?

This campaign is replicable and scalable. SANURA is ready to:

– Extend reusable pad distribution to other regions of Togo

– Train local seamstresses to produce affordable reusable pads

– Launch school-based menstrual clubs for peer education

Partners, donors, and foundations: Join SANURA to expand this climate-friendly, dignity-focused program. Menstruation is not a choice. But how we manage it, as individuals and as a society is.

SANURA and HDF have chosen the path of durability, education, and respect: for girls, for women, and for the planet. Because a clean environment and a dignified menstruation are not luxuries. They are human rights.

#SANURA #HDF #MenstrualHygiene #ReusablePads #ClimateAction #Sokodé #GirlsEducation #Togo #SustainableDevelopment #EndPeriodPoverty #GreenFuture

Ing Ilyame O-L