On September 25, 2024, SaCoDé had the honour of taking part in a round table organized by Share-Net Burundi, bringing together key players around menstrual hygiene in the university environment. Alongside the representative of the Gender Unit of the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research, as well as the representative of CRIDIS (Centre de Recherche et d'Intervention pour le Développement Individuel, Communautaire et Social), SaCoDé contributed to an essential discussion on the challenges and solutions concerning menstrual hygiene management for female students.

The round table followed a revealing survey of 134 female students conducted by Share-Net Burundi. The results highlighted a lack of knowledge about menstrual hygiene management and limited access to sanitary protection, often resulting in absence from class.

To address the problems of menstrual hygiene precariousness, SaCoDé is implementing initiatives to promote access to information, sanitary protection and appropriate infrastructures.

In terms of access to information, SaCoDé has adapted and contextualized the Oky application, dedicated to menstrual cycle monitoring, including an encyclopedia on menstrual hygiene management and other relevant topics. The app is available on Google Play Store under the name Oky Burundi.

As for access to sanitary protection, SaCoDé produces Agateka washable and reusable sanitary pads, which last from 3 to 5 years, at an affordable price, and distributes them to vulnerable people. Finally, to improve access to infrastructure, the organization builds adapted latrines in partner schools.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that the management of menstrual hygiene in the university environment remains a crucial issue to ensure the full participation of female students in their education. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between players such as the Ministry of Education, national and international organizations working in the field of health and education, and research institutions, in order to develop sustainable solutions.