The ECOWAS Commission, through its Gender Development Center (CCDG), has been strengthening its commitment since 2010 to combat obstetric fistula in West Africa. Following medical programs and socio-economic reintegration initiatives, the 2024 project aims to build three factories for reusable sanitary napkins and diapers. These facilities address the needs of adolescent girls (school menstrual hygiene), fistula victims (reproductive health) and the elderly (urinary retention). This initiative is part of ECOWAS’ 2050 vision for gender equality and human development.

CONTEXT AND JUSTIFICATION

With 401.9 million inhabitants (of which 60% are young), ECOWAS faces critical health and educational challenges. Obstetric fistula affects thousands of women, leading to social exclusion and poverty. At the same time, the lack of school sanitary products contributes to girls dropping out, while the elderly lack suitable solutions for urinary leaks. This project fills these gaps by aligning health, education, and socio-economic inclusion, in line with regional objectives for human development and gender parity.

OBJECTIVES

General Objective: Reduce school dropout among girls, improve the reproductive health of fistula victims, and enhance the well-being of the elderly by providing affordable hygiene products.
Specific Objectives:

• Provide sanitary napkins/diapers to the priority targets.
• Enhance the economic independence of women with fistula.
• Support regional educational programs (scholarships, school equipment).
• Ensure the sustainability of actions to fight against fistula and exclusion.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Improvement of school menstrual hygiene and reduction in girls’ absenteeism.
• Increase in income and socio-economic reintegration of fistula victims.
• Strengthening of resources for excellence scholarships and school equipment.
• Availability of anatomical protections for the elderly.

STRATEGIC AXES

1. Menstrual Hygiene in the School Environment: Distribution of sanitary napkins to keep girls in school.
2. Reproductive Health and Autonomy of Women with Fistula: Production of affordable diapers and creation of jobs.
3. Elderly Care: Provision of protections against urinary leaks.

MANAGEMENT MECHANISM

The project combines economic levers (job creation, income from commercialization) and social levers (reinvestment of profits in education and health). The management of the factories will be entrusted to the States, through contractors or public administrators. A multi-stakeholder Board of Directors (ECOWAS, ministries, partners) will oversee implementation, training, and advocacy.

KEY ACTIVITIES AND TIMELINE

• Q1 2024: Creation of the Board of Directors.
• Q2 2024: Feasibility studies, mapping of existing structures, and financial planning.
• Q3 2024: Construction of the factories and recruitment of managers.
• Q4 2024: Commencement of production and commercialization.