Manufacturing in Malawi
WHY Malawi?
Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world, with a poverty rate of about 50.7% as of 2022. Access to basic sanitary products remains a major challenge, particularly in rural areas where more than 80% of the population lives. Many women and girls in Malawi rely on unhygienic alternatives such as old cloth or repurposed disposable pads due to the unaffordability of single-use products. This lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene leads to serious health risks, including infections, and contributes to school absenteeism— over 1 in 10 girls in Malawi miss school during menstruation.
What Are We Doing to Help?
Through manufacturing in Malawi, NORA is battling poverty and unemployment by creating dignified jobs for women, allowing them to learn marketable skills, get paid fair wages, and become part of a community that lifts them up. We supply our employees with reusable pads and encourage community conversations around periods. Manufacturing pads locally helps to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation and provides affordable access to these products for women and girls in surrounding areas.