Technical Product Manager, AFRIpads
What will be the benefits for your country with global standards for menstrual products?
I am Elijah Kiwanuka, and I work as a Technical Product Manager at AFRIpads. I am here to represent the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). At AFRIpads, we manufacture reusable sanitary pads, and our enterprise is based in Uganda. Given this context, you can understand that I come from a rural background, where the majority of our population—more than 50%—resides.
My country benefits from this trip and the menstrual products standardization work: it is helping girls, the nation and manufacturers in terms of trade. Standards help to set consistent requirements for quality and safety, so at the end consumers get products that meet a certain, defined quality and standard.
Consumers should be confident that the products they receive meet certain standards, providing consistent value whether they are in Africa, Uganda, or more advanced economies.
How is it now without the standards?
We have national standards, and Uganda is one of the countries that has made significant progress in menstrual health products standardization. We have standards for both disposable and reusable pads. However, these are national standards, and when we engage in international business, we face challenges. An international standard would be very useful.
For users—girls, women, and all who menstruate—having a globally accepted standard would instill confidence. In addition to our national standards, it would be a significant boost. We are here in Copenhagen to ensure that our national standards align with the drafted international standards, aiming for regulations that ultimately benefit the end user.
Will the national standards be harmonized?
Yes, of course. That is why we are here—to represent the values of UNBS and the perspectives of the people of Uganda. Since we already have a national standard, we can offer expertise and share the information and research we have conducted. This will be beneficial in the development of the international standard.
ISO standards offer many benefits to consumers, not only by ensuring safe and effective products but also by providing comfort. Comfortable products enable participation in activities such as education, sports, and social events. ISO standards also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including health, sanitation, education, and gender equality.