What women consider when buying sanitary towels - Report

In a country where taboos around menstruation still cast a long shadow, a powerful narrative is emerging from women who want their voices and needs granted.

A report titled “Echoing Voices from the Grassroots on Dignified Period for All” uncovers a crucial, often overlooked truth: for women, menstrual health is not just about access, but about quality, comfort, and dignity.

The report that was launched on April 6, 2025, was spearheaded by Nguvu Collective and Kenya Women Parliamentary Association between October 2024 to February 2025.

According to the report, 53 per cent of women purchase sanitary towels based on their absorbency. Those who look for comfort came in second with (48 per cent), and skin sensitivity (44 per cent).

Those who chose leak protection were 32 per cent, 27 pr cent chose material, 19 per cent, chose price,  eco-friendliness 11 per cent, durability 10 per cent, ease of use 10 per cent, odour Control 10 per cent and packaging at 7 per cent.

“These are the top priorities when choosing menstrual products, outweighing other factors like price, eco-friendliness, adhesive quality, and odour control,” read the report. 

For the comfort and safety, participants emphasised the need for products that feel soft and non-irritating. 

“Pads should be made of cotton, not plastic. The plastic ones cause itching and rashes,” a young woman from one of the counties said.

Many recounted experiences of infections caused by low-grade materials and demanded quality products that are safe for their skin.

Absorbency and leak protection was equally important. Some of the girls described skipping school or social activities due to fear of leaks. 

“When we have to sit in class for hours, we’re scared of staining. We need pads that don’t leak,” said one of the students. The report indicates that this is particularly critical in rural areas where toilet access is scarce and changing pads frequently is not feasible.

The survey questionnaire reached 20,000 people across Kenya with a response rate of 48%. Data collection happened through a dual approach: An online survey with representation from 45 counties, and Offline physical interviews.

ALTERNATIVES?

While disposable pads are the most widely used, the report notes a budding interest in sustainable alternatives such as menstrual cups and cloth pads, particularly in urban areas.

 “I’ve heard about menstrual cups, but I’m scared to use them. I don’t know if it’s safe,” one college student admitted.

Affordability is a common and urgent concern that has also been highlighted in the report.

 “Government pads are sometimes too rough, but we use them because they’re free,” one woman said.

Others use cloth not out of preference but necessity.

“Good pads are too expensive. We can’t buy them every month,” another respondent said.

The demand is for low-cost yet high-quality menstrual products that meet basic hygiene and comfort standards.

These concerns are similar to concerns that were raised in a 2022 in a study by World Bank Group and Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership (GWSP). In the study, a majority of girls and women in Kenya cannot afford sanitary pads because of the high cost of sanitary pads. 

Participants in the Nguvu Collective Report also voiced concerns around disposal and privacy. 

"We wrap used pads in newspaper and hide them. There’s no dustbin in school,” a girl said. They called for better disposal options and more dignified packaging, especially in public and school settings, to reduce shame and embarrassment.

The report’s findings are a powerful reminder that menstrual equity isn’t just about free products but about listening. 

As one participant put it simply: “We want pads that don’t hurt, don’t leak, and don’t shame us.”

In Kenya, policies around menstrual hygiene have evolved, reflecting the importance of addressing menstrual health as a critical public health and human rights issue.

The Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024, aims to ensure the provision of quality, free, and sufficient sanitary towels in public institutions and correctional facilities. 

According to the Bill, there shall be an established interministerial that shall coordinate and oversee the distribution of the free towels.