She was born and raised here in Addis Ababa. She lost both her parents when she was a little girl. For that reason, she was raised by her generous and kind grandmother. Life was so hard for Yetinayet Solomon. She knew the practical meaning of hunger and had gone through hard times because of poverty. When she was a teenager, Yetinayet also faced with the challenge in accessing sanitary pads, a basic hygienic item that seems cheap and affordable to every girl in Addis Ababa; but expensive and unaffordable to her. But, there was no time that she sat idle or felt like giving up on life. Rather, she struggled hard to realize her dreams – a dream of becoming a self-reliant woman who beat poverty; and can extend a helping hand to others with all available means. As hard work pays off, Yetinayet Solomon is now a young entrepreneur, social influencer and producer of Yeti Reusable Pads.
As a young entrepreneur and Menstruation Health Advocate, who aspires to promote menstrual health as it is not mainly an issue of hygiene; but also a health matter that encompasses the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of young girls and women, Yetinayet is now actively working to create awareness among society and deliver reusable pads for girls and women.
By organizing various platforms and campaigns including “It Concerns Me”, she is working to raise awareness and arrest all forms of stigma and discrimination, including cultural and religious views, against girls and women surrounding menstruation and support those Ethiopian girls and women who have no access to sanitary pads.
The Ethiopian Herald had a moment of togetherness with Yetinayet Solomon to share the challenges she faced and her path to success.
Full excerpt!
Yetinayet Solomon
Please tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start the washable sanitary pad drive?
I am Yetinayet Solomon, a wife and mother. I was born and grew up here in Addis Ababa. I lost both my parents when I was a little girl and was raised in the hands of my grandmother, who is my inspiration in life and an iconic figure for kindness. As a little girl, I had been through hard times. I was in the tenth grade and only sixteen years old when I gave birth to my first child. This makes life harder for me, and I was forced to migrate to an Arab country to earn a living. However, after a lot of hardship in life, I am now able to survive and support others with every opportunity life has provided for me.
As a young girl, while I was only 16 and in the tenth grade, I experienced a number of challenges. It was at that time that I gave birth to my first child. This made life harder for me, and I was forced to migrate to an Arab country to earn a living. Even there, I encountered a number of problems. However, as luck would have it, after a lot of hardship in life, I am now able to survive and support others with every opportunity life has provided for me.
The drive to produce reusable sanitary pads came from a deeply touching story I watched on social media. The story was about female students at a certain university here in Ethiopia who were punished by dorm supervisors for tearing up their mattresses and using them as makeshift sanitary pads because they had no access to menstrual pads.
When I saw this story shared by a student from that university, it struck a chord with me. I realized that collecting money for disposable pads would only provide a short-term solution, for a few months at best. This made it clear that a sustainable, long-term solution was desperately needed. Thus, I was motivated to create Yeti Reusable Hygiene Pads to provide continuous support and dignity to women and girls in need, ensuring that no one has to face such dire circumstances again.
Can you describe the process of collecting and distributing the pads?
The process begins with sourcing high-quality materials and manufacturing the Yeti Reusable Pads, diapers, and period pants. We work in partnership with local manufacturers committed to producing eco-friendly and durable products. Once produced, we organize vehicles and drivers that deliver the items and accept donations from individuals and organizations passionate about menstrual health. The pads are then carefully sorted, packed, and prepared for distribution. We collaborate with local NGOs, schools, community centers, and healthcare providers to identify areas with the greatest need. Distribution events are often accompanied by holding educational workshops on menstrual health and hygiene to ensure that recipients not only receive the products but also understand how to use and care for reusable menstrual pads properly.
How do you ensure the quality and effectiveness of the pads?
Ensuring the quality and effectiveness of our reusable menstrual pad is a top priority. We start by sourcing high-grade, absorbent, and breathable materials that are comfortable and durable. Our manufacturing partners adhere to strict quality control measures, and each batch of products undergoes rigorous testing for absorbency, comfort, and durability. We also continuously gather feedback from users to take corrective action if there is any non-conformity; ensure that our products meet the highest quality standards of hygiene and effectiveness. Regular audits and quality checks are also conducted to maintain consistency and enhance quality performance. We collaborate with healthcare professionals to validate the safety and efficacy of our products.
How can people contribute to the cause if they want to get involved?
Campaigns that we have been organizing every time are tools to raise awareness among the masses. We use our campaigns as platforms to raise funds and attract concerned bodies to stand by our side. Following our campaigns we have witnessed people contributing in several ways. Financial donations are always welcomed and help us expand our production and distribution efforts. Donations can also be made through our bank accounts and by joining us on social media players. Additionally, individuals can volunteer their time to assist with educational workshops, distribution events, and awareness campaigns. We also encourage people to spread the word about our mission and the importance of menstrual hygiene through social media and community outreach. Organizations and businesses can partner with us to organize local drives, provide funding, or offer logistical support. Every contribution, whether big or small, helps us make a significant impact.
How do you measure the success of the campaign?
We measure the success of our campaign through several key metrics. These include the number of reusable pads distributed, the number of schools and students reached, and the reduction in school absenteeism among female students due to period. We also collect qualitative feedback from recipients and partners to understand the impact of our products on their lives. Surveys and interviews help us gather data on user satisfaction and product effectiveness.
And we track our environmental impact by calculating the reduction in waste generated by disposable products. Most importantly, we believe that our success is measured by the level of community engagement and the progress made in breaking down menstrual health-related stigmas.
What has been the biggest challenge in running campaigns?
One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming cultural stigmas and taboos surrounding menstruation. In many communities, discussing menstrual health is still considered taboo, which makes it difficult to carry out educational programs and distribute products openly. We address this by working with local leaders and influencers who can help bridge the cultural gap and promote open conversations about menstrual health. Another significant challenge has been scaling up the production and distribution capacity to meet the growing demand for reusable pads. Logistics, funding, and ensuring consistent supply of high-quality materials are ongoing challenges that require strategic planning and resource management.
What impact do you hope this initiative will have on the community?
We hope that this initiative will have a profound and lasting impact on the community by empowering women and girls with access to reliable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products. By reducing absenteeism and improving educational outcomes, we aim to contribute to greater gender equality and the overall well-being of our beneficiaries. We also hope to foster a culture of openness and acceptance around menstrual health, breaking down stigmas and encouraging positive conversations. Additionally, our focus on sustainability aims to reduce the environmental footprint of menstrual and baby care products, promoting eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
Have you collaborated with any organizations or individuals in this campaign?
Yes, we have collaborated with couple of NGOs, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations. As a new startup, the number of institutions we have collaborated with isn’t big but we are working hard to grow our partnerships with many more. We believe these partnerships have been instrumental in expanding our reach and ensuring.
Thank you!
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 4 AUGUST 2024
