Machine to produce compostable pads unveiled at Liliesleaf

In celebration of women’s rights, the world’s first biodegradable sanitary pads were unveiled at Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia.

Aakar Innovations donated one of the machines used to make the Anandi pads to community members in Mvezo, Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, to commemorate his centenary.

The machine enables impoverished and uneducated women in rural communities to create a world-class product which can be sold at an affordable price. The business model for the product also allows women to ‘pay it forward’ and donate a percentage of their product. The concept has been tested widely throughout India and women have been taught the skills needed to use the machine within two weeks.

Jaydeep Mandal, managing director and founder of Aakar Innovations said toured around India with Miss World’s Beauty with a Purpose charity and they wanted to find out how they could bring the idea to Africa. Thanks to the support of the Tsiko Barberry Foundation they have been able to bring the first machine to the country.

“Anandi will not only help empower disadvantages rural communities by giving them access to sanitary ware at an affordable price, it will also enable women entrepreneurs to earn an income as well,” said Mandal.

Anand Moodliar, the managing director of the Tsiko Barberry Foundation, South Africa added, “Women all over the world deserve access to these products. We want to be able to launch this product in a positive and impactful way.”

Miss World 2014, Rolene Strauss who also attended the event said, “We can enable young girls to be proud of their bodies. I see so many young girls who are ashamed of what is happening to them when they become a woman. It takes a woman to tell another woman that it is something to be proud of.”

Strauss added that it is fantastic to be able to work with people who want to create meaningful change in the world, and the celebration of Mandela’s 100th birthday is a perfect opportunity to launch the product and promote menstrual health.

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