Examining the Market for Female Sanitary Pads in Rural Tanzania

Access to safe, affordable, and quality menstrual hygiene products remains a major challenge for adolescent girls in rural Tanzania. Many schoolgirls rely on traditional and unsafe materials such as old clothes due to the high cost and limited availability of sanitary pads. Although disposable pads are available in some areas, their recurring monthly cost makes them unaffordable for families living on subsistence income. While reusable sanitary pads are more cost-effective in the long term, they require a higher initial investment, which many parents struggle to afford.

Additionally, weak coordination among stakeholders has resulted in inconsistent supply chains and unregulated free distribution of uncertified products, undermining sustainable market systems. Misconceptions, cultural stigma, and limited awareness at community level further hinder acceptance and proper use of menstrual hygiene products. Parents, who hold purchasing power, often lack adequate information or perceive menstrual products as non-essential.

These challenges contribute to school absenteeism, reduced concentration, and diminished confidence among adolescent girls. Without a structured and sustainable supply mechanism integrated within schools and supported by public-private partnerships, access to menstrual hygiene products remains unreliable. Therefore, there is a critical need to establish a coordinated, affordable, and sustainable model to ensure continuous availability and accessibility of certified sanitary pads in rural schools and wider communities.

Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) remains a critical challenge affecting adolescent girls in rural Tanzania. Limited access to affordable, quality, and certified sanitary pads contributes to school absenteeism, poor academic performance, and reduced self-esteem among schoolgirls. The project titled “Examine the market for female sanitary pads in rural Tanzania” was implemented in the Manyara and Arusha regions (Babati, Kiteto, Longido and Karatu, respectively) to assess availability, affordability, preferences, and supply chain systems of menstrual hygiene products in primary and secondary schools. Through stakeholder engagement, market assessment, and pilot implementation, the project aimed to develop a sustainable and scalable model to ensure continuous access to sanitary pads at the school level.

1. Market Assessment and School Consultations
   Conducted consultations with schoolgirls, teachers, and parents to assess availability, affordability, and preferences for menstrual hygiene products in rural areas. The study found that 75% preferred reusable sanitary pads, mainly due to cost-effectiveness and durability.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
   Facilitated coordination meetings and technical workshops with government ministries, regional and district authorities, private sector suppliers, and NGOs. This collaboration led to strong government ownership and the establishment of a sustainable public–private partnership model.
3. Development of a Sustainable School-Based Supply Model
   Designed and operationalized a structured system for bulk procurement, certified supplier selection, direct school distribution, installment payment options, and digital sales monitoring to ensure affordability, quality control, and long-term sustainability.
4. Distribution and School-Based Sales System
   Distributed 9,032 packets of certified sanitary pads to 40 selected schools in Arusha and Manyara, benefiting approximately 15,626 schoolgirls. Schools were established as managed points of sale under trained health teachers to ensure continuous access.
5. Awareness Creation and Capacity Building
   Implemented district, community, and school-level awareness campaigns reaching 523 district officials and Trainers of Trainers, 7,763 parents, and 18,595 adolescent girls. The initiative promoted safe menstrual hygiene practices and reduced stigma.
6. Strengthening sustainable local supply of menstrual health products
   This activity builds resilient local supply chains by supporting market-ready manufacturing, fair pricing, and access to retail and school-based distribution. By reducing reliance on free distribution and coordinating demand, it increases availability of affordable, quality menstrual products while strengthening women-led enterprises and long-term market sustainability.