In Ethiopia, 24.1 million girls and women are of reproductive age, yet the majority struggle to manage their periods safely and with dignity. Only 28% of Ethiopian women report having access to everything they need for menstrual hygiene.

Access to quality menstrual products is deeply unequal. While 84% of Ethiopians live in rural areas, 80% of menstrual products are distributed in cities.

Many available products are poor in quality, unaffordable, and difficult to find. Additionally, clean sanitation facilities remain scarce—85% of girls in schools are unable to change their pads due to a lack of private toilets, water, or disposal systems. This, coupled with teasing from male students, lead to missed classes and emotional distress.

Menstruation remains a taboo topic, creating shame and misinformation. Over half of Ethiopian adolescents have never been taught how to manage their periods. Only 40% of rural girls discuss their first period openly, and just 22% of mothers talk to their daughters about  menstruation before it begins.

Women and girls pay a heavy price for having their periods. Between 20-25% of girls miss school due to menstruation, with absenteeism reaching as high as 68% in some regions. Missing school leads to lower academic performance and increased school dropouts rates. Out of the school, girls are at a higher risk of early and forced marriage, limiting opportunities for a better future.

At MELA FOR HER, we believe periods should never be an obstacle. We are committed in providing real solutions, so Ethiopian girls and women can live without limits.