• What sets EcoBana apart is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The company produces sanitary pads from biodegradable materials, utilizing natural banana plant fibers. 

Period poverty, a silent crisis affecting millions of girls and women worldwide, refers to the lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products. This issue is particularly pronounced in Kenya, where it leads to absenteeism in schools, diminished self-esteem, and limited opportunities for young women.

However, amidst these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging, notably from companies like EcoBana Limited. Recently, EcoBana launched the "1 Pad 1 Girl" program at Egerton University, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing menstrual hygiene problems in Kenya.

Central to this program is the introduction of Pad ATMs—vending machines that dispense individual sanitary pads at an affordable price of just 10 Kenyan Shillings (KES) per pad. This initiative enables girls and young women to access sanitary products as needed, significantly reducing costs and encouraging regular school attendance.

What sets EcoBana apart is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The company produces sanitary pads from biodegradable materials, utilizing natural banana plant fibers. These pads are not only safe and comfortable but also eco-friendly, addressing both menstrual hygiene needs and environmental concerns in a world increasingly burdened by plastic waste.

 Lucy Moraa, the Vice President Elect of Egerton University and an EcoBana representative, emphasizes the urgency of the issue, stating, "Girl or woman as we are, we do not choose the time and location when to experience our menses, and what we so dearly need is an instant supply of sanitary towels. We believe that any girl should be given the opportunity to thrive, period."

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The Pad ATM is a simple yet transformative solution that dispenses a single sanitary pad for just 10 KES, a critical price point in a country where many families struggle financially. By making pads affordable, EcoBana effectively dismantles a significant barrier to menstrual hygiene.

The initiative ensures availability by placing Pad ATMs in schools, colleges, and community centers, making sanitary pads accessible to young women and girls. Coupled with educational initiatives that raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management, EcoBana is demystifying menstruation while promoting ecological sustainability through the use of biodegradable materials.

Looking ahead, EcoBana's vision extends beyond simply providing pads; it aims to cultivate a society where menstruation does not hinder opportunities. Through partnerships with schools, universities, and community organizations, EcoBana is expanding the reach of the Pad ATM initiative to empower more girls and women across the country.

Addressing period poverty is not merely a health or education issue; it is a crucial aspect of the broader fight for gender equality and the empowerment of future generations of women leaders in Kenya. The success of the "1 Pad 1 Girl" program hinges on collaboration among all stakeholders, including educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

By working together, these entities can enable the widespread deployment of Pad ATMs, ensuring that all girls and young women in Kenya have access to safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly menstrual hygiene products.