Biodegradable sanitary pads aim to keep girls in school and break cycles of disadvantage

SYDNEY, AU / ACCESS Newswire / October 23, 2025 / Dr. Malini Saba, global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for women's empowerment, has launched Elara Pads, a line of biodegradable and affordable sanitary pads designed to transform girls' access to education and dignity worldwide.

For Dr. Saba, Elara is not just a product-it's a movement.

"Too many girls miss school because they lack something as basic as sanitary pads," says Dr. Saba. "If we can change that, we can change the trajectory of their entire lives."

The Global Challenge

• According to UNESCO, 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their menstrual cycle, adding up to as many as 20% of the academic year lost.

• In India, studies show 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to inadequate menstrual hygiene management.

• The sanitary pads market is booming-valued at $34.22 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $56.83 billion by 2032-yet millions of girls are left without access.

Elara pads are designed to be thin, long, highly absorbent, and biodegradable, ensuring they meet both comfort and sustainability needs while remaining affordable.

"We cannot allow biology to be a reason for lost education," Dr. Saba emphasizes. "By giving girls the tools they need, we are telling them they belong in school, in careers, and in leadership."

From Boardrooms to Classrooms

Dr. Saba's journey has spanned 35 years across industries-commodities, trade, real estate, healthcare, and technology. Through the Saba Family Foundation, she has funded programs in education, healthcare, and women's empowerment. With Elara, she is tackling one of the most overlooked barriers to gender equity.

Her advocacy is deeply personal.

"I've lost everything more than once. Rebuilding taught me that success is not about money-it's about clarity, happiness, and giving back. Elara reflects that belief," Dr. Saba shares.

What People Can Do

Elara is part of a broader mission: to shift mindsets, reduce stigma, and empower communities to take action. While Dr. Saba invests in distribution, she emphasizes that change requires collective effort.

Ways individuals can contribute:

• Start the conversation: Normalize talking about menstrual health in schools, workplaces, and homes.

• Support local programs: Donate to or volunteer with organizations addressing menstrual equity.

• Choose sustainably: Opt for eco-friendly menstrual products where possible to reduce environmental impact.

• Educate others: Share statistics and stories to break taboos and highlight solutions.

"Life is a learning planet. We are here to give, not take. Every initiative I build is for the generations that come after us," says Dr. Saba.

Dr. Malini Saba and Elara invite communities, educators, and individuals to join the movement for menstrual equity. Together, we can ensure no girl has to miss school-or opportunity-because of her period.

About Elara Pads

Elara Pads is a sustainable menstrual health brand founded by Dr. Malini Saba. Designed to be thin, long, absorbent, and biodegradable, Elara Pads are affordable and accessible, with a mission to keep girls in school and empower women everywhere. By combining comfort, dignity, and sustainability, Elara aims to break the cycle of disadvantage caused by lack of menstrual health access.

About Dr. Malini Saba

Dr. Malini Saba is a global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for women's empowerment. With over 35 years of leadership across multiple industries, she founded the Saba Family Foundation to fund education, healthcare, and women's initiatives worldwide. Her latest venture, Elara Pads, reflects her lifelong commitment to creating equity and opportunity for women and girls across generations.

Media Contact

Dr. Malini Saba
https://malinisaba.com/
info@malinisaba.com

SOURCE: Dr. Malini Saba