Research Project: Receptivity, Expectations, Usability, Sustainability and Enjoyment (REUSE) of menstrual cups among rural women in Rwanda

Overview

REUSE is a pilot project that aims to address period poverty among rural women and girls in Rwanda by using menstrual cups. The team is learning what women and girls know about menstruation and menstrual health, how they experience using the cups, and how the cups change household dynamics and finances.

Why This Matters

Around 1.9 billion women of reproductive age menstruate each month, and each spends an average of 65 days a year managing it. Many girls and women still lack access to affordable, safe, and culturally appropriate menstrual products. In low- and middle-income countries, they often face high product costs, cultural taboos, limited sexual and reproductive health education, and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.

Menstrual cups are a promising and sustainable option. Made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex, or elastomer, the cup collects menstrual flow, can be emptied and reinserted, and only needs to be boiled at the end of each cycle. A single cup can last up to 10 years.

Our Approach

Dr. Stojanovski developed the pilot with his local partner, Belyse Mukayiranga of Hope for Tomorrow, to examine how women and girls use menstrual cups and how the cups change their menstrual health management. The study uses a mixed-methods approach.

• Surveys measure knowledge, attitudes, and finances
• Focus groups capture women's and girls' lived experiences with the cups

Potential Impact

Participants describe less fear and shame around menstruation. They also report saving money and being better able to attend school and work.

Key Achievements

• Increased knowledge among key stakeholders, including gynecologists, about how menstrual cups support menstrual health and hygiene
• Using the data to secure Ministry of Health approvals for importing menstrual cups
• Identifying ways to support women's economic empowerment and social entrepreneurship through selling the cups locally

Student Engagement

A Rwandan doctoral student is part of the project and recently supported data collection with women and girls who decided not to use the cups.

Research Partnerships