Teaching teens the value of reusable period products
Towards the end of September, Te Ipukarea Society’s Project Officer, Akeina (Ake) Tairea, together with Mary McDonald, led an interactive session with Apii Maʻuke senior students. The session covered the menstrual cycle, explaining how and why periods occur, and highlighted the benefits of switching to reusable products such as period underwear, menstrual cups, and reusable pads. These products not only reduce single use plastic waste but also save money in the long run as, with proper care, they can be reused for a number of years.
On average, girls aging 10 - 17 start going through menstruation. A topic which is seen as ‘akama’ still to this day amongst our community. The Maine Mura Project aims to break down these stigmas by normalising on-going discussion at home and through education, as menstruation is all part of the changes a healthy female body experiences.
In the Pa Enua, young girls experiencing the menstrual cycle for the first time can find it quite overwhelming. The Te Ipukarea Society team, with the support of the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association and continuing the great work of ‘RedPack’, has made it a duty to spread awareness on women’s health and eco-friendly period products. This work aims to ensure our young girls and teenagers feel comfortable discussing their experiences and are aware of what’s available to manage periods today.
To support this transition, each of the young women of Apii Maʻuke received a set of reusable period underwear, provided through the Maine Mura Project. These reusable products have financial benefits, saving money in the long run and of course environmental benefits with less single use plastic feminine hygiene waste ending up in our landfill.
In a positive and inclusive display of community support, Apii Maʻuke male students were also invited to take part in the discussion. They learned about the basics of menstruation how it works, how often it happens, and how they can show respect and understanding to their peers and family members who experience it. Teachers actively participated as well, helping to answer questions and ensuring the discussion remained open, respectful, and informative.
An important part of the session focused on how to properly care for reusable period underwear to ensure hygiene and longevity. Proper care helps maintain the effectiveness of the fabric’s absorbent material and keeps the product sanitary for repeated use. When maintained correctly, one pair of period underwear can last up to three years, drastically reducing the number of disposable pads or tampons used by one individual. This not only benefits the environment but also supports financial independence for young women who no longer need to rely on expensive imported products every month.
The Maine Mura Project will continue to empower communities across the Pa Enua and Rarotonga by promoting women’s health education and sustainable living. By normalising conversations about menstruation and providing eco-conscious solutions to manage these monthly experiences.
This project is funded by the New Zealand High Commission, supporting the promotion of alternative reusable feminine hygiene products amongst our young females across the Cook Islands.