By Mary Sabo Olowoloba, Chairman & CEO, Sana Pads Limited
Sana Pads Limited is redefining menstrual care in Nigeria with a locally developed, reusable sanitary pad solution designed to improve access to safe, affordable and dignified menstrual hygiene for women and girls.
The journey began with a simple but pressing concern: girls missing school and women missing work because they could not afford or access suitable menstrual products.
That concern inspired a bigger question — what if women and girls could manage their periods with dignity every month without the financial and accessibility challenges that often come with menstrual care?
That question became the foundation of Sana Pads Limited.
Across Nigeria, millions of women and girls face limited access to safe and hygienic menstrual products. The challenge goes beyond inconvenience, as inadequate menstrual hygiene can affect school attendance, work, health and the overall wellbeing and dignity of women and girls.
A Nigerian Solution for Nigerian Women
Developing a locally produced sanitary pad was not without challenges.
According to the company, finding suitable materials for production proved difficult. Quality fabrics, absorbent materials and leak-proof layers were either unavailable locally or not adequately suited to the Nigerian environment.
Rather than relying on imported solutions, Sana Pads set out to develop a product specifically designed for Nigerian and African women.
The company invested years in research, testing and product development, continually refining its materials and production process.
“We researched. We tested. We failed, and we improved. Year after year, we kept developing until we had it right,” the company said.
NAFDAC-Certified Reusable Sanitary Pads
Today, Sana Pads Limited produces NAFDAC-certified reusable sanitary pads in three categories — Light, Medium and Heavy — designed to accommodate different menstrual flow levels.
The washable pads are made with breathable, natural fabrics and are designed to provide comfort and protection during menstruation.
According to the company, the products are made without plastic top sheets, chemical bleaching processes or single-use absorbent gel layers.
Their reusable design is intended to provide women with a more affordable and sustainable alternative to disposable menstrual products, while maintaining comfort and ease of use.
For Sana Pads, the objective is clear: women should not have to choose between quality and affordability when it comes to menstrual hygiene.
Beyond Manufacturing: Creating Impact
Sana Pads says its mission goes beyond manufacturing and selling sanitary products.
The company aims to contribute to keeping girls in school, enabling women to remain productive at work and restoring dignity to women and girls who face menstrual hygiene challenges.
It also seeks to demonstrate that locally developed Nigerian products can meet high standards through research, innovation, resilience and strategic partnerships.
To expand access, the company is developing a distribution network involving rural community sales agents, market dealers, supermarkets, as well as partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs).
Through these channels, Sana Pads aims to reach more women and girls, particularly those in communities where access to quality menstrual hygiene products remains limited.
Looking Ahead
For Sana Pads Limited, the journey is still unfolding, but its ambition remains firmly focused on making quality menstrual hygiene products more accessible.
The company says its next chapter is centred on expanding access to affordable, quality menstrual care for women and girls across Nigeria and, ultimately, throughout Africa.
From a simple concern about girls missing school and women missing work, Sana Pads is building what it describes as a Nigerian solution to a challenge affecting millions of women and girls.
