Leading facilities services provider, Pareto, has partnered with MELA FOR HER to raise awareness of the social enterprise and the opportunity for eco-friendly period products. MELA FOR HER is a social start-up enterprise that transforms women and girls’ lives across Ethiopia by providing them with access to affordable and re-usable eco-friendly menstrual products, menstrual health education, and training providing job opportunities and support to their communities. As part of the partnership Pareto purchased 250 of the re-usable sanitary packs that were distributed to Pareto team members and clients.
Emma Wilson, Social Impact Director, Pareto commented: “I have been inspired by the social enterprise for some time and I am delighted we’ve been able to support them in a small way. Not only does this partnership emphasis the incredible work MELA do on a day-to-day basis in Ethiopia, but it also raises awareness of important period related issues. Even further than that, it shows us a way to a sustainable and eco-friendly future for period related products. We are now excited to take this opportunity wider with our client base and offer branded packs that we hope will continue to support the social enterprise even further. We are grateful for their partnership”.
Further information on the importance of this organisation:
WHY to buy reusable menstrual products such as the ones produced by MELA FOR HER?
Health: They are healthier than single-use pads and tampons. MELA pads do not contain any of the 3,000 harmful toxins that are reported to be in disposable sanitary pads and tampons. In addition, using reusable sanitary pads help you to monitor your menstrual flow. Use of improvised menstrual materials such as toilet paper can pose serious health risks, like reproductive and urinary tract infections.
Environment: They are environmentally friendly. Disposable sanitary products contribute to large amounts of global waste and its production is very energy intensive. Sustainable and quality menstrual products can make a big difference to the environment.
Financial: You will save money. Reusable sanitary pads make menstrual products financially accessible. They are not only good for your health and for the environment, but also for your pocket since you will save more than 90% of your budget on menstrual products.
Solidarity: You will support cool businesses. When buying MELA pads you are supporting a social enterprise based in Ethiopia that puts women and girls in the centre of everything it does. MELA pads are handmade with lots of love by young Ethiopian women for you.
Social corporate responsibility: Implications of female workers’ lack of access to menstrual products are significant for companies’ production and productivity, while can be easily addressed through high return investments on reusable sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education.
Gender Equality: Access to menstrual hygiene is key to ensure equal opportunities for women and men. Awareness on menstrual hygiene contributes to building an enabling environment of non-discrimination and women and girls’ real participation, in which female voices are heard.
Economics: Absenteeism from work and poor performance due to menstruation is a critical concern in most industries. Women may miss work if they don’t have access to the supplies or facilities they need or there is no a supportive environment that allows them to manage periods with dignity.
Education: Around the world, millions of girls may miss school during their periods due to lack of access to safe menstrual products and facilities. This has a huge impact on their attendance and performance in school as well as in their social and personal development. Out of school girls are at a higher risk of early and forced marriage.
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