Han's Care Company in Addis Ababa produces reusable sanitary pads to help solve the issues of poverty and menstrual taboos in Ethiopia. In this religious and conservative country with a population of over 130 million, menstruation is still considered a shameful topic, and sanitary pads are a luxury item for many women and girls.
Menstrual Challenges in Ethiopia
According to statistics, about 40 percent of the Ethiopian population lives in poverty, and most women are deprived of sanitary pads due to their high costs. The country imports all sanitary pads, making access to them very difficult for low-income groups. A study in 2017 showed that only 28 percent of Ethiopian women are able to meet their menstrual needs.
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Establishment of Han's Care and Social Changes
Hanan Ahmed, 41, founded Han's Care in 2021 to address menstrual issues and the related poverty and to break social taboos. She recalls her personal experience with menstruation and the shame associated with it, saying: "I was one of those girls who avoided going to school out of fear of shame." Han's Care helps girls and women by producing washable cotton pads that can be used for two years. Instead of selling its products through pharmacies, the company collaborates with banks and various organizations to provide the pads for free to girls. Tigist Weldow Abate, one of the workers at the company, says: "Today, I am proud to work at this company because this work is very beneficial for girls." On a recent morning at Nigat Kokab School in Addis Ababa, pads were distributed to a number of young girls. Their teacher, Tigist Shuangizaw, appreciated the company's efforts to raise awareness and assist students. Hanan Ahmed also noted that while progress has been made in the capital, the situation in rural areas remains unchanged. She hopes that with more support from Ethiopian authorities, it will be possible to talk freely about menstruation and break social taboos.
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