Ethiopian Startup Combats Period Poverty with Reusable Products
Hanan Ahmed's enterprise produces washable sanitary pads to address cultural taboos and economic barriers.
1Addressing Menstrual Inequity
In Addis Ababa, Hanan Ahmed founded Han’s Care to tackle the severe lack of affordable menstrual hygiene products. With 43 percent of Ethiopia's population living below the poverty line, imported disposable pads are luxury items. This startup provides a sustainable alternative to help women manage their health with dignity and safety.
2Economic and Social Barriers
The United Nations Population Fund reports that impoverished women must spend 43 percent of their monthly budget on just two packs of disposable pads. This financial burden forces many girls to miss school and women to lose income. Consequently, many resort to using unsafe materials like mattress scraps or dirty socks.
3The Founder's Personal Motivation
Hanan Ahmed, a 41-year-old former flight attendant and stylist, launched the company in 2021 after reflecting on her own childhood struggles. She frequently missed school due to the shame and lack of resources associated with her period. Her mission is to normalize conversations around menstruation within Ethiopia's conservative social landscape.
4Production and Sustainability Model
Han’s Care manufactures washable cotton pads designed to last up to two years. The workshop in the capital employs about ten seamstresses and can produce 1,000 units daily. These products are not sold in pharmacies but are instead purchased by corporate sponsors and banks for distribution across various Ethiopian regions.
5Cultural Taboos and Stigma
Menstruation remains a deeply ingrained taboo in many Ethiopian communities, often viewed as a source of shame. In some rural tribes and religious groups, menstruating girls are still excluded from their homes. Hanan Ahmed uses the company’s social media platforms to challenge these harmful perceptions and encourage open public dialogue.
6Impact on Educational Attendance
Educational institutions like the Nigat Kokeb school in Addis Ababa are seeing positive results from distribution programs. Teacher Tigist Shewangizaw reports that providing these reusable pads has effectively eliminated absenteeism related to menstruation. This initiative ensures that young girls can continue their education without the interruption of period-related social stigma.
7Persistent Rural Challenges
While progress is visible in the capital, the situation in rural Ethiopia remains largely unchanged. Hanan Ahmed notes that many women in remote areas still lack access to basic hygiene supplies. She continues to advocate for greater support from Ethiopian authorities to scale these efforts and reach those in isolated regions.
8Future Outlook and Advocacy
The success of Han’s Care highlights the intersection of social entrepreneurship and public health in developing economies. By combining local manufacturing with corporate social responsibility, the company addresses both economic poverty and cultural silence. Continued growth depends on expanding distribution networks and securing sustained backing to overcome deep-seated systemic barriers.
Original article: Le Devoir — Ethiopian Startup Combats Period Poverty with Reusable Products