On January 9, 2025, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs to announce an ambitious pilot project aimed at constructing factories dedicated to the production of reusable sanitary towels and diapers. This initiative, titled “Human Capital Development Plus,” seeks to address the pressing needs of school-going girls, women affected by obstetric fistula, and elderly women facing similar challenges.
The overarching goal of the project is to establish facilities that will manufacture and market high-quality sanitary products, thereby reducing school dropout rates among adolescent girls and providing essential support to women with unique intimate health needs. The project is particularly significant in a region where access to sanitary products is often limited, leading to health risks and educational disruptions for young women. Among the delegation were key figures such as Madam Finda Koroma, former Vice President of ECOWAS; Dr. Fatou Sow Saw; Mr. Harouna Moussa, the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission; and several other officials from the organization. Together, they emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting gender equality and enhancing the health and educational opportunities for women and girls in Sierra Leone.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Dr Isata Mahoi, welcomed the delegation and underscored the importance of partnerships in fostering development initiatives. She remarked on the collaborative spirit between ECOWAS and Sierra Leone, noting that the project is a significant step towards empowering women and improving their quality of life. The Minister revealed that two potential sites for the factories have already been identified in Kono and Moyamba Districts, with the latter being home to a substantial number of unemployed young women. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the Sierra Leonean government and ECOWAS to facilitate the implementation of the project. A national and regional committee will be established to oversee the project’s progress.
The plan includes adherence to local and international procurement regulations, with Sierra Leone responsible for building and equipping the factories while ECOWAS will provide supervision. To ensure the project’s sustainability, it will be structured as a Public-Private Partnership. Looking ahead, the project aims to expand its production capabilities to include underwear for boys and girls, as well as other related products, contingent upon the successful mobilization of additional funding. The ECOWAS representatives highlighted the urgency of the project, particularly as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
They noted that many girls in the region miss significant amounts of school due to menstrual-related issues, making this initiative not only timely but critical. Madam Finda Koroma emphasized the project’s potential to accelerate human capital development in the region. She pointed out that many women lack access to sanitary pads, which poses health risks when proper hygiene practices are not followed. The initiative will also promote awareness regarding the use and disposal of sanitary products, ensuring that women and girls are educated on best practices. In addition to addressing immediate health and educational needs, the project aims to stimulate local economies by promoting the production of cotton and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sierra Leone. ECOWAS is collaborating with reputable medical experts and institutions to ensure the project is implemented effectively and sustainably.
Sierra Leone currently spends millions of dollars annually importing sanitary products, highlighting the need for local production capabilities. The ECOWAS delegation also announced plans for experience-sharing sessions among the three beneficiary countries—Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Senegal—to foster collaboration and enhance the project’s impact. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs will lead the project, working closely with other relevant ministries, including Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Health, Development and Economic Planning.
This collaborative approach is expected to maximize the project’s effectiveness and ensure that it meets the diverse needs of the communities it aims to serve. In conclusion, the establishment of factories for reusable sanitary towels and diapers in Sierra Leone represents a significant advancement in addressing the intimate health needs of women and girls in the region. Through this initiative, ECOWAS and the Sierra Leonean government are taking critical steps toward empowering women, reducing school dropout rates, and promoting health and well-being, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in West Africa.
