The Challenge

Menstruation is one of the most common and uniquely female experiences. The average woman will have 400 periods in her lifetime. That means she will spend over 3,500 days of her life menstruating. Yet for millions, the monthly cost of single-use menstrual products is simply unaffordable.

Millions of girls and women rely on unhygienic materials to absorb their monthly menstrual flow. These include old cloth, pieces of mattress and even reusing a disposable pad. In addition to these make-shift materials having a harmful impact on an individual’s health, they are undignified, uncomfortable and can make completing simple daily tasks a challenge.

Menstruation as a barrier

Faced with frequent, embarrassing leaks and a susceptibility to infections, many girls and women experience their monthly period as something that prevents them from engaging in daily life – whether this is going to school or work, or carrying out their normal domestic responsibilities.

“The inability to effectively manage menstruation can contribute to school absences of between 10-50%. However, estimates vary between countries and studies.”

The impact of social entrepreneurship

AFRIpads exists because we believe menstruation should not be a barrier for any woman or girl, anywhere. Women and girls are the backbone of our societies and they deserve access to safe and dignified solutions to manage their periods to allow them rise to their dreams and achieve their true potential.

With over 4.5 million AFRIpads Menstrual Kits distributed and counting, AFRIpads has demonstrated how a simple product innovation is helping hundreds of thousands of women and girls live more hygienic, comfortable and productive lives. And with every product donated by the AFRIpads Foundation, we directly contribute to the meaningful employment AFRIpads is able to give to over 100 female employees. Now that is truly ‘for women, by women – with love!’.

Spotlight on schoolgirls

Research has found that a lack of access to menstrual products, poor sanitation facilities and menstrual related pain are key factors in causing girls to miss school during their menstruation. The unavailability of sanitary products in developing countries is a major barrier to education for girls of school-going age.

The inability to effectively manage menstruation can contribute to school absences of between 10-50%. However, estimates vary between countries and studies. Menstrual related school absenteeism can cause girls to drop out of school entirely, increasing their likelihood of teen pregnancy, health complications and early marriage, further limiting their future career and economic opportunities.

Give us your support!

Reusable Sanitary Pads

€ 7,50 for a Bright Future!

Make a donation

School Attendance for Girls

Our Partners