Breaking the Silence on Menstrual Poverty

Menstrual poverty is a significant yet often neglected issue that impacts millions of girls and women in Ghana. This challenge extends beyond the natural biological process of menstruation, transforming into a source of shame, hardship, and lost opportunities, especially in rural areas where access to sanitary products is limited. In response to this pressing situation, Amdiya Abdul Latif, the founder and CEO of EcoMe Africa, has initiated efforts to improve menstrual health across Ghana. Her mission focuses on innovation, sustainability, and a strong commitment to social impact, aiming to provide every girl and woman with safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly menstrual care options.

Amdiya Abdul Latif, founder and CEO of EcoMe Africa

A Journey Rooted in Empathy

Amdiya’s journey began in a rural classroom in Nerebehi, a community in the southern district of Kumasi, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of menstrual poverty.

“I was posted to a rural community as a service teacher during my national service. There, I saw girls missing school days because they didn’t have access to sanitary pads. Some of them resorted to using rags, socks, or even newspapers,” she recalls.

This heart-wrenching realization propelled Amdiya into action. Determined to make a difference, she began distributing disposable sanitary pads to the girls. However, this solution proved unsustainable.

“The girls would call me every month, saying, ‘We need more pads.’ It was a never-ending cycle,” she says.

Recognizing the need for a more lasting solution, Amdiya delved into research, exploring sustainable alternatives to disposable pads.

Amdiya Abdul Latif educating school children in the Nerebehi community on Menstrual Hygiene 

The Introduction of a Sustainable Solution

Through her research, Amdiya discovered that traditional disposable pads can take up to 500 to 800 years to decompose out living the entire existence of the user, and significantly contributing to environmental pollution. This environmental impact, coupled with the financial burden on low-income families, highlighted the need for a sustainable alternative. Drawing inspiration from practices used by previous generations, she developed the concept of reusable sanitary pads.

“This reality kept me awake, so I began thorough research, juxtaposing the alternative traditional method of using ‘Tɔma’—a fabric specifically for menstruation in Ghana—with contemporary disposable sanitary pads. Then I realized other countries were adopting reusable pads as a menstrual alternative, so I decided to hand-make them myself.”

Her initial attempts were rudimentary, utilizing discarded water sachet rubber as a waterproof layer.

“It was far from perfect, but it worked. I wore it myself, and it didn’t leak! I remember I was in my bathroom jumping with sheer excitement because it worked. So I gave a few to my students, but with time, I realized it was uncomfortable and made a lot of noise. I recall combing the whole of Kejetia Market in search of umbrella material or a fabric that could absorb blood and prevent leakage,” she reflects.

Despite the challenges in comfort and practicality, this innovation marked the beginning of EcoMe Africa. With support from international organizations like Afriplastic, which provided funding and connected her to experts in the field, she was able to develop EcoMe Africa’s flagship product: the Eco Period reusable sanitary pad.

Samples of Eco Period reusable sanitary pad

The Eco Period Pad A Game Changer for Women’s Health

The Eco Period pad has become a crucial support system for many young girls in Ghana who were on the verge of giving up on their dreams. In communities across the country, menstruation remains a silent struggle, often dictating the opportunities available to women and girls. A report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicates that 95% of girls in rural areas in Ghana miss up to 20% of school days because they lack access to sanitary pads. Despite this stark reality, discussions around it remain muted and the menace continue to persist hindering millions of educational prospects of these girls.

“Most of these young girls believe education ends at Junior High School, which is quite sad. But through our mentorship program and our ‘Buy One, Give One RuGirlz initiative, that allow us to donate free pads to the vulnerable and deprived girls who can not buy the pads, we are changing this narrative. More girls are now seeing the need to stay in school and continue their education beyond Junior High School because they no longer have to endure the shame and stigma of bleeding through their uniforms due to the rags or newspapers they once relied on, which could not properly absorb the blood each month.” Amdiya shares

An Eco Divas hand making the Eco Period reusable sanitary pad

Made from organic, sustainable fabrics, Eco Period pads offer a gentle, breathable, and comfortable alternative to traditional disposable pads, which are often laden with chemicals and plastics. Research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that disposable sanitary product contain over 90% plastic, contributing to health risks and environmental harm. In communities like Nerebehi, where access to quality menstrual products is limited, Eco Period pads offer a lifeline to those who once relied on unsanitary materials like rags and newspapers.

The high cost of disposable menstrual products also forces many women into financial strain, often making difficult choices between buying pads and meeting other basic needs. In Ghana, the price of menstrual products has risen by 32.5% due to inflation, further burdening low-income families. However, with the invert of reusable Eco Period pads, that financial burden is alleviated, offering a sustainable and affordable solution.

Yet for Amdiya, the mission goes far beyond providing menstrual solutions—it is about empowerment.

“The pads are handmade by socially disadvantaged women, including single mothers and survivors of gender-based violence, who receive training in production, distribution, and health education. This is our strategic model to empower women and drive significant change.”

This initiative, known as Eco Divas, is more than just a business model. By employing women from marginalized backgrounds, it creates a ripple effect of transformation, offering economic opportunities, skills training, and financial independence. Research from the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that women’s empowerment programs lead to a 25% increase in household income and a 30% boost in overall community health which further articulates the impact of such initiatives on both personal and societal levels.

An Eco Diva distributing the Eco Period reusable sanitary pad to school children

Overcoming Steep Obstacles and Stigma

The road to Amdiya’s success was fraught with challenges. Every step of her journey was marked by resistance, from the painstaking process of developing a sustainable menstrual product to the deeply ingrained societal biases that questioned her ability to lead.

“There were moments I felt like giving up. The process was slow, and frustrating. Each prototype had to be refined over and over again. But every time I saw a girl’s face light up when she received a pad I knew I couldn’t stop,” she reflects.

As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated business world, she was forced to navigate layers of skepticism and doubt. The barriers extended beyond product development. They were woven into the very fabric of the business world, where women’s voices were often dismissed or undervalued. Balancing work, career, and family while simultaneously challenging societal expectations demanded unyielding resilience.

“As a woman, you walk into rooms where your ideas are met with polite nods but little action. Investors hesitate, reluctant to support something they see as unconventional. Menstrual health isn’t a priority for them, but for millions of girls, it’s the difference between staying in school or dropping out” she explains.

Funding was one of the steepest challenges, particularly as a female entrepreneur introducing an unfamiliar concept in Ghana. Securing financial backing required not just a strong business model but also the ability to educate investors on why menstrual health was an urgent and profitable venture. Yet, despite the odds, Amdiya refused to compromise on her vision.

Young girls excited to have the Eco Period reusable sanitary pad

A Commitment to Change

One of the darkest realities of menstrual poverty is “Sex for Pads.” In some communities, young girls are forced to exchange sexual favors just to afford menstrual products. This exploitation leads to alarming rates of teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and even maternal mortality. According to the Ghana Health Service, adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing concern, with over 14% of girls aged 15–19 becoming pregnant annually. Lack of access to menstrual products has been identified as a contributing factor, forcing some girls into transactional relationships just to manage their periods.

Through EcoMe Africa, Amdiya has not only broken this vicious cycle but restored dignity to over 35,000 youth, women, girls, and their families. Her initiative has become a lifeline, ensuring that no girl has to compromise her body just to manage a natural biological process.

Conclusion: A Future Free from Menstrual Poverty

Menstrual poverty remains an urgent crisis, but Amdiya Abdul Latif’s work offers hope. Through EcoMe Africa, she is not only providing a product but sparking a movement for sustainable, affordable, and accessible menstrual care. With continued support, her vision for a world where no woman is held back by menstruation is within reach.