The cost of sanitary pads could have significant impacts on the wellbeing and quality of life of girls and women. Access to affordable and reliable menstrual products is crucial for maintaining personal hygiene and managing menstruation with comfort. This prompted our topic for today, and we would be exploring ways of coping with the rising cost of sanitary pads and the measures that could be taken to ensure menstrual needs are met. Below are some of the responses of our contributors.
Muritala Omolara
SANITARY pads are an indispensable necessity for every woman no matter the hike in their prices. To put up with the high cost, I have come up with strategies that have been working for me − budgeting. Including sanitary pads in my monthly budget, alongside other necessities, has been helpful. At one point, I thought of using cut-out clothes as a substitute but had a second thought, because it is unhealthy. Also, I resorted to reducing the number of pads I use per day.
Oluwamayowa Olatunbosun
Thank God for my friend who introduced me to the use of a menstrual cup. It is less costly. When it is filled up, you pour it away, wash and reuse it. It is reusable. It does not get you stained and it has saved me a lot. So, when people complain about the cost of sanitary pads and all, I cannot relate to that.
Angela
Things that are needed should be less expensive so that they could be easily affordable. Sanitary pads are very expensive. For girls who observe their periods for more than five days, a pack which is at least 8 pieces, would not be enough for a month. Such a girl has to buy two packs every month, which cost almost N1,200. This should be considered in Nigeria. Most girls cannot afford this, so they use other means which are not healthy. The pads should be almost free or given for free. I have been coping because my mom sells provisions. I take the pads from her shop – sometimes, I pay for them.
Deborah Agbor
I have been coping well. Thank God for the provision. Although the prices of pads are expensive now, God has been making a way for me.
Omolade Gbemisola
Dealing with the high cost of sanitary pads could be challenging. Purchasing a pad that was originally N300 for N800, or even higher, is saddening. Fortunately, I am involved with an organization, Enactus TASUED, where I volunteer. We produce cost-effective sanitary products that are both eco-friendly and biodegradable. This has alleviated the financial burden I face with sanitary pads.
Modupe Abayomi
With the current situation of the country, almost every product is twice its normal price, but we have no choice but to keep buying them. A sanitary towel is a compulsory commodity every woman purchases every month. Since there is an increment in the price, and there is no other substitution for it, one needs to keep getting it. I get them in bulk, the ones that could last me for three months. Every month, there is a budget for my sanitary towels.
Tope Adetoun
It is becoming worrisome. The last time I bought two packs of sanitary pads it cost N600 − then the month after, N800. Now, it is N1000. I have a heavy flow. So, I have to buy two packs all the time. This is something that is not spoken about much. It is costly and something needs to be done about it. It has not been easy, especially with everything that is getting expensive.
Ajibola Florence
Inflation cuts across all sectors of the economy. Sanitary pads are not an exception. I changed the brand I use to cut costs. I now use affordable brands. It does not make much difference.
Joy David
I have struggled with the cost of sanitary pads going up all the time. I also had the challenge of managing my menstrual hygiene because of the high cost. But, I have explored other options. Sometimes, I use clothes. Sometimes, I buy the less expensive ones and mix them with clothes. If I am going out, I use sanitary pads. If I am indoors, I use clothes. That way, I can reduce costs.
Shayo Adelakun
I have weighed my options and concluded that using sanitary pads would not pay because I would not be able to reuse them and their prices keep increasing. However, it is not so bad when compared with monthly data subscriptions and the like. But, sometimes, I would not be financially capable to purchase the pads. So, I opt for a menstrual cup. That has saved me from the stress of buying costly pads and disposing of them.
Amaka Mbah
Fortunately, I have been able to cope with the cost of pads by making a few adjustments to my spending habits. I have started to buy the pads in bulk. It has helped me to save some money. I have also checked different brands and types of sanitary pads to find more affordable options without compromising on quality.
Esther Adekanye
It has not been easy. I pray the prices of things come down soon enough.
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