In a small Addis Ababa workshop, women sew cotton fabric into reusable sanitary pads, an affordable alternative to disposable products. Hanan Ahmed, 41, founder of Han's Care, aims to restore dignity, keep girls in school, and break menstruation silence in Ethiopia. The country imports all its sanitary pads, making them unaffordable for many women and girls. Ahmed's own experience with menstruation-related embarrassment inspired her to start Han's Care in 2021.
Ahmed's company produces washable cotton sanitary pads that can be reused for up to two years, with a daily production capacity of 1,000 pads. Han's Care supplies sponsors, including banks, which distribute the products free of charge to girls and women nationwide. At Nigat Kokeb School in Addis Ababa, the initiative is making a difference. Student Betselot Mahareg, 15, finds reusable pads practical and helpful in avoiding embarrassment associated with leaks from disposable alternatives.
Ahmed's mission goes beyond providing sanitary products; she aims to change attitudes towards menstruation, particularly among younger generations. At Nigat Kokeb School, teacher Tigist Shewangizaw emphasizes preparing girls before their first period to prevent fear, isolation, and absenteeism. The school's approach includes passing safety cues to young children to reduce panic and ensure they don't miss school.
Despite progress in the capital, menstrual stigma remains deeply rooted in rural communities. Girls can face exclusion from their households when they begin menstruating. Hanan believes education and open conversations are essential to changing this reality. She is determined to start the conversation at home, raising her own daughter to view menstruation as a natural part of growing up.
Hanan's approach to menstruation education involves celebrating the onset of periods as a natural part of womanhood. She raises her daughter to see menstruation as a normal aspect of life, encouraging open conversations about periods on social media and in the community. This approach aims to create a culture of freedom and confidence for girls and women.
The impact of Han's Care extends beyond providing sanitary products; it represents an opportunity to challenge shame and improve access to menstrual hygiene. Hanan hopes that with greater public support and continued awareness, menstruation will no longer be a reason for girls to miss school or feel excluded. Her goal is to normalize conversations about periods and promote a culture of acceptance.
As Han's Care continues to make a difference in the lives of girls and women, Hanan remains committed to her mission of breaking the silence surrounding menstruation in Ethiopia. With every reusable pad produced, she sees a chance to empower girls and promote a culture of confidence and inclusivity. Her efforts have the potential to bring about lasting change in the country.
Key points
- Reusable sanitary pads help girls in Ethiopia stay in school and break the silence surrounding menstruation.
- Han's Care aims to change attitudes towards menstruation, particularly among younger generations.
- Education and open conversations are essential to challenging menstrual stigma and promoting a culture of acceptance.
