In Anoushka Patel’s Always, she informs that there is a high absenteeism in school among young women in East Africa during their mentstration cycle due to a lack of knowledge of this issue and resources for sanitary protection. Patel praises Procter & Gamble (P&G) for taking initiative and teaming up with “The Girl Child Network” and creating a campaign for young women to “Always Stay in School.” According to Patel, P&G provides 15,000 girls with enough sanitary protection to last 2 years and provided $200,000 worth of women hygiene products and $4 million to educate young women. Patel also highlights the fact that P&G understands the social responsibility they have towards their consumers.
As someone who actively participates in community service programs (member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Vancouver), and who has gone on mission trips to third world countries (built homes for 2 weeks in the Philippines with ‘Gawad Kalinga’), I feel that there is hope for the less fortunate in the world when big companies like P&G make an effort to contribute to society. However, I can’t help but feel that the P&G has a hidden agenda. Are they trying to raise awareness of the issue that affects young women in East Africa? Or are they trying to boost their image to their consumers? Or is it both? I would love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below.