The main objective was to gather evidence and learn lessons that will enable to explore, test and determine the possibilities for using the innovation to solve the most urgent humanitarian problems in severe crisis situations.
In addition to the particularly complex and difficult context of implementation, the specific features of this evaluation lie in 1) its temporality: the evaluation is carried out in real time while the activities are taking place; 2) its nature: it is an innovation evaluation, which requires a systemic approach based in particular on modelling the innovation ecosystem.
Key conclusions of the valuation :
- A high adoption rate in both contexts (99.8% in Gaza / 87% in Lebanon), confirming the value of reusable products in crises. In Gaza, this widespread adoption was driven by an extreme shortage of disposable products, while in Lebanon, it was motivated more by economic factors and the high cost of alternatives. After 3–6 months of use, 88% of women confirmed that the products had a positive impact on their ability to carry out their daily activities. Furthermore, 94% confirmed that using the products had a beneficial effect on their household finances.
- Enhanced dignity and reduced stress: The products helped restore users’ dignity and reduce psychosocial distress. Specialized washing and drying bags were deemed essential for enabling women to clean their sanitary products without the stigma or shame often associated with menstruation in displacement contexts. After 3–6 months of use, 70% of users confirmed that using reusable products helped them overcome the lack of a waste management solution.
- Medium-term savings potential: Although the initial cost is higher, the Reemi kit offers significant long-term financial benefits, with estimated savings of between $178 and $280 per woman over three years in a hybrid model. In addition, the logistical efficiency is substantial: a reusable kit reduces the space required in transport trucks by 67% to 92% compared to a three-year supply of disposable products.
- The critical challenge of access to water: Washing a piece of underwear requires at least 500 ml of water. The study shows that lack of access to water is a key factor to consider, but that it did not constitute a barrier to product adoption. In Gaza, where access to water has deteriorated drastically, 70% of female users confirmed that they had enough water to wash the products. In the event of a water shortage, only 9% of female users reported reducing their use of the products, and 11% preferred to use disposable products. Thus, 80% of women continue to use the products despite difficulties in accessing water. The report concludes, however, that a contextual analysis is needed to assess potential health risks associated with the distribution of these products in the event of a water shortage.
- A lack of familiarity with the products does not prevent widespread adoption: the use of disposable products was very limited in the Gaz context. Before the distribution of reusable solutions, 55% of women reported a preference for disposable products, which were the most commonly used in this context before the war. 8% even reported being opposed to the idea of trying new products. After the distribution, 90% of women felt that the products were more effective and useful than they had anticipated.
- The Need for a “Hybrid Approach”: The assessment confirms that reusable products should not be viewed as a complete replacement for disposable pads, but rather as a sustainable complement, allowing users to adopt a mixed approach based on their personal preferences and their environment.
The lessons learned from this work will be made available to the main actors involved in the response, namely Reemi, Oxfam GB and its partners, but will also benefit the wider community of emergency and WASH actors, as well as the community of monitoring and evaluation practitioners interested in innovation evaluation.