The Idea of Washable Sanitary Pads
In many African countries, including Kenya, menstrual hygiene products are scarce. Young women often miss school during their periods. This lack of education leads to fewer career opportunities, increased dependency, and greater poverty. Girls and women in rural areas are particularly affected by so-called “period poverty.” Inadequate access to hygiene products can lead to infections and other illnesses.
We sought ideas to improve this situation and found a solution:
washable cotton sanitary pads.
Beyond financial support, we also always need supporters and multipliers to spread the word about happy period.
Thank you for supporting happy period!
Based on our initial idea, we began collaborating closely with five tailors from Rongo, a small town in western Kenya. They produce washable sanitary pads and distribute them to female students in surrounding schools. Because many of the young women don't own underwear, happy period also provides underwear as needed. happy period association was founded in the fall of 2024 to create a sustainable framework for our project.
The washable and reusable sanitary pads are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than conventional disposable products. The material is 100% cotton and locally sourced.
Our tailors are our project partners.
They handle all stages of production, from purchasing materials and sewing to distributing the pads to schools. They are paid per pad and receive orders based on the association's financial resources. These orders secure their income and contribute significantly to their financial independence.
Who are we?
The idea for the happy period project originated during a trip to Kenya in July 2022. Thanks to the Kenyan friends we were visiting, we became aware of the massive impact that the lack of menstrual hygiene products has on women's lives. With a prototype of a washable pad, we went from seamstress to seamstress in Rongo, a small town in western Kenya. We wanted to find out how the product was received and whether there was interest in collaborating. These young women also responded very positively to the washable sanitary pads, and it was clear we needed more of them.
The happy period project was initiated by Lovina Kainrath, Nora Breitenecker, and Hanna Boesch. Martina Gappmaier and Tina Turner have supported us from the beginning and remain part of the team.
Our local tailors are our key project partners and are responsible for ensuring the project runs smoothly and that the washable sanitary pads are produced and distributed. Their names are Billy Okoth, Evelyne Adhiambo, Rebecca Atieno Ogozah, Susan Akinyi Okinyi, and Atoti Awour Owour.
Joyce Adhiambo Odero organizes the purchase and transport of all the materials, thus strengthening the team from Nairobi.
