ZanaAfrica Pads

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Instead of solely stocking its products at large vendors, ZanaAfrica leverages established NGO partnerships with groups like Marie Stopes International and Living Goods to deploy door-to-door saleswomen. Through these representatives, ZanaAfrica reaches women and girls in small towns and remote communities.

Manufacturing/Building Method

ZanaAfrica Group is a Kenyan-based social enterprise which claims to manufacture the sanitary pads and related products designed for and by women. ZanaAfrica Group uses local agricultural by-products to promote sustainability of the distribution system, without dependency on foreign imports.Experts have questioned the manufacturing capability availability in the region as fairly complex equipment is required, e.g. to apply the colored sides and the high resolution embossing.

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

The sanitary pads are distributed through NGO partnerships which deploy door-to-door saleswomen, along with stocking products at some large vendors. ZanaAfrica does sell termly school kits that consist of 32 pads (four 8-packs in both Regular and Super) and cotton underwear designed to accommodate all body types. This provides girls with safe, hygienic sanitary pads throughout the school term. To encourage continuity of product distribution, the ZanaAfrica Foundation creates girl-led reproductive health education resources and fosters long-term relationships with community-based organizations and NGOs who purchase termly kits on behalf of girls.

Distributions to Date Status

From 2013, ZanaAfrica's community-based sales have been reached 50,000 girls.

Design Specifications

Zana africa pad is 100% organic cotton pads which is same as biodegradable cotton sanitary napkins. The pad is also chemical free, for sensitive skin.

Technical Support

N/A

Replacement Components

N/A

Lifecycle

This product is promoted as good for up to eight hours, though good sanitary measures are encouraged and variable by user.  

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Designer specified performance targets include: high absorbency, and low-cost

Vetted Performance Status

Testing by  manufacturer

Safety

The pads shouldn't be used more than 8-10 hours.

Complementary Technical Systems

N/A

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

N/A

Other Information

ZanaAfrica has entered into 14 public and private partnerships, which are increasing distribution channels, raising visibility, and enhancing research capabilities. ZanaAfrica is now aiming to include educational comics with their pads to promote reproductive health and menstrual hygiene education. Experts have questioned the financials that enable to ZanaAfrica to sell the pads at low cost and whether subsidies or donations are applied. The design with wings indicates significant design waste in production, which normally increases the cost. Also the construction seems to be quite complex, with several raw materials (rolled goods like cover, barrier etc.) being used. Most of these raw materials are not produced in Africa, in particular the cover materials.