Sana Pads Limited, a Nigerian menstrual health company, has launched a range of reusable sanitary pads to improve access to menstrual products for millions of women and girls across the country. The company was founded in response to the widespread challenge of girls missing school and women missing work due to lack of access to safe and affordable menstrual products. This situation is a major barrier to education, health, and dignity.
According to estimates, about 50 million women and girls in Nigeria have limited or no access to hygienic period products. Data from the United Nations indicates that one in 10 adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during menstruation, with some losing up to 20 per cent of the academic year. These statistics highlight the need for accessible and affordable menstrual products.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sana Pads Limited, Mary Sabo Olowoloba, said the company was established to close the gap through locally produced solutions tailored to Nigerian realities. The company deliberately avoided importing products, opting instead to invest in research and local production. This approach ensures that the products are designed to meet the specific needs of Nigerian women and girls.
Developing the product came with significant challenges, particularly in sourcing suitable materials that meet both quality standards and environmental conditions. However, after years of development, the company now produces NAFDAC-certified reusable sanitary pads available in light, medium, and heavy flow categories. The pads are made from breathable natural fabrics and are designed to be washable and reusable.
The design of the pads promotes comfort, improves airflow, and offers a more sustainable alternative to disposable products. The pads do not have plastic top sheets, chemical bleaching, or single-use absorbent gel layers. This makes them a healthier and more environmentally friendly option for women and girls.
Beyond production, the company is focused on expanding access through community-based distribution channels, including rural sales agents, market networks, supermarkets, and partnerships with local and international organisations. This approach ensures that the products are accessible to women and girls in different parts of the country. The company is also working to restore dignity and promote education and health.
The company is optimistic that the initiative will continue to grow, with the long-term goal of making quality menstrual hygiene products accessible to every woman and girl in Nigeria and across Africa. With this initiative, Sana Pads Limited aims to keep girls in school, women at work, and restore dignity.
Key points
- The company produces NAFDAC-certified reusable sanitary pads made from breathable natural fabrics.
- About 50 million women and girls in Nigeria have limited or no access to hygienic period products.
- The initiative aims to keep girls in school, women at work, and restore dignity.
