At Asante Africa Foundation, we understand that true educational empowerment requires breaking down the systemic barriers that hold girls back. That’s why our partnership with AFRIpads is so much more than just providing sanitary pads—it’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and opportunity to girls who deserve to learn without limits.  

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we celebrate how strategic partnerships like this one turn challenges into triumphs. Together with AFRIpads, we’re not just keeping girls in school, we’re ensuring they have the tools, knowledge and support to rewrite their futures. Because when girls rise, we all rise.  

SUMMARY OF PARTNERSHIP

The partnership between Asante Africa Foundation and Afripads began in 2021 to address menstrual health challenges faced by girls in Uganda’s Kassanda and Kyenjojo districts. Initially, the collaboration focused on distributing reusable sanitary pads (20 kits) and underwear (120 pairs) to improve school attendance and hygiene.

Over time, the program expanded to include training girls in making their own reusable pads, empowering them with both health and income-generating skills. The impact has been significant: school attendance during menstruation rose from 50% to 90% with some schools reporting 99% attendance. 

Academic performance also improved, as seen with students like Annet who advanced from Division Three to Two due to consistent class participation. Beyond attendance, the initiative has reduced stigma, increased menstrual health awareness and strengthened community engagement. 

Distributions occur annually, coordinated with schools and teacher mentors, with key stakeholders including AFRIpads, local leaders and Asante Africa Foundation staff. Looking ahead, there are opportunities to expand the program to new districts, integrate comprehensive health education, and further support girls’ livelihoods through skill-building.

SUMMARY OF AFRIPADS

AFRIpads is a pioneering social enterprise established in 2010 that has become the world’s leading manufacturer of reusable sanitary pads in Africa. Headquartered in Uganda with a 3,000 square meter eco-friendly factory, the organization addresses three critical challenges in menstrual health: access, affordability and sustainability of menstrual products for women and girls across Sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond product manufacturing, AFRIpads provides comprehensive Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) solutions including educational toolkits and monitoring frameworks for partners. The company employs approximately 150 staff, 86% of whom are women from marginalized backgrounds, creating significant economic impact through local manufacturing. Since its founding, AFRIpads has grown from a pilot project to an award-winning enterprise, distributing millions of reusable kits while advancing gender equality through both products and employment opportunities.