The Happy Sisters Company makes Happy Pads, biodegradable and chemical-free menstrual pads, to cut plastic waste and improve menstrual health and dignity for women and girls in Ethiopia.
Project Objective
To reduce plastic pollution and improve menstrual health in Ethiopia by providing biodegradable, chemical-free menstrual products while promoting environmental sustainability, dignity, and education for women and girls.
Executive Summary
The Happy Sisters Company produces Happy Pads, biodegradable, chemical-free menstrual products designed to protect women’s health and significantly reduce plastic waste. The project addresses environmental pollution caused by plastic-based menstrual products while improving menstrual health and dignity in Ethiopia.
Background
Most menstrual products used today contain plastic and can take over 500 years to decompose, contributing to long-term environmental damage. In Ethiopia, limited waste management systems make this challenge more severe. The project was inspired by the founders’ lived experience with period stigma and lack of access to safe, sustainable menstrual products.
Implementation Plan
Happy Pads are distributed through partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations. Education on menstrual health and environmental awareness is delivered through the nonprofit sister organization, Make Her Day International.
Outcomes
Happy Pads biodegrade in approximately 153 days and help reduce up to 12 pounds of plastic waste per user per year, while improving comfort, safety, and dignity for menstruators.
Partnerships
The project collaborates with nonprofit organizations and community partners, with plans to expand partnerships with NGOs and public programs to scale impact in Ethiopia and across Africa.
Sustainability Vision
The long-term vision is to expand access to sustainable menstrual products across Ethiopia and other African countries, reducing plastic pollution while advancing menstrual health, education, and environmental stewardship.
4-7-8-17 Report Card: The Happy Sisters Company, Ethiopia
- Four-Way Test passed
- 4 of 4
- Areas of Focus
- 4 of 7
- Pillars of Positive Peace
- 4 of 8
- UN SDGs
- 5 of 17
Four-Way Test
- Pass Is it the truth? Makes specific, checkable claims: breaks down in about 153 days and saves up to 12 pounds of plastic per user a year.
- Pass Is it fair to all concerned? Serves women and girls who lack safe, affordable menstrual products.
- Pass Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Builds partnerships with nonprofits and community groups and helps end period stigma.
- Pass Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Healthier women and girls and less plastic in the environment.
Rotary Areas of Focus
- Providing Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: Brings safe menstrual hygiene products to women and girls.
- Saving Mothers and Children: Protects the reproductive health of women and girls with chemical-free pads.
- Supporting Environment: Replaces plastic pads that last 500+ years with pads that break down in about 153 days.
- Supporting Education: Menstrual health and environmental education through Make Her Day International.
Pillars of Positive Peace
- Acceptance of the Rights of Others: Fights period stigma and promotes dignity for women and girls.
- Equitable Distribution of Resources: Gets safe menstrual products to those who lack them.
- High Levels of Human Capital: Education helps girls understand their health and stay confident in school.
- Sound Business Environment: A social enterprise that sells a product with purpose.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being: Safer, chemical-free products protect women's health.
- SDG 5 Gender Equality: Advances dignity and opportunity for women and girls.
- SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation: Improves menstrual hygiene and sanitation.
- SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production: Replaces single-use plastic with a biodegradable product.
- SDG 4 Quality Education: Menstrual health education for girls and communities.
Easy upgrades
- Report how many women and girls have received Happy Pads to strengthen the truth question.
- Make pads in Ethiopia and hire local women to add Growing Local Economies and SDG 8.
- Partner with Rotary clubs in Ethiopia to reach more schools.
Rated with the 4-7-8-17 framework, and reviewed by the 100 Projects in 100 Countries team.
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