Hanan Ahmed, a native of Addis Ababa, is the CEO of Han’s Reusable Sanitary Manufacturing company. Born and raised in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Ethiopia, Hanan draws inspiration from the country’s rich heritage, particularly the Ethiopian embroidery known as “Tibeb,” for her modest wear clothing line.
Coming from a family where her mother was a seamstress and her father a skilled tailor, Hanan was immersed in the world of craftsmanship from a young age. Growing up in a household that embraced both Muslim and Christian traditions, she developed a deep appreciation for the diverse culture and traditions of her country.
Following her passion, Hanan initially pursued a career in the aviation industry, fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a flight attendant. After working for international airlines for almost six years, she returned to Addis Ababa and decided to explore her creative side by taking design courses in New Delhi, India. There, she blended Ethiopian embroidery with Abaya and Kaftan designs, creating unique pieces that showcased the beauty of her cultural heritage. She also ventured into accessory design.
Hanan’s exceptional work caught the attention of the media and fashion industry. She was featured on television, newspapers, magazines, radio shows, and fashion runways, gaining recognition for her talent and innovative designs that celebrated Ethiopia’s diverse culture and fostered unity.
The concept of Han’s With Care emerged during the pandemic when the fashion industry faced challenges. Hanan saw an opportunity to contribute to society and began making face masks for the hearing impaired and face shields for the Ethiopian Doctor Association. The satisfaction she derived from giving back to her community was immeasurable.
Driven by her firsthand experiences, Hanan decided to address the needs of two underserved groups in society: women and the elderly. Understanding the embarrassment and challenges women face during their periods, she meticulously designed reusable sanitary pads, underwear, and incontinence panties, especially for girls with Fistula problems. Additionally, she created reusable adult diapers and bed protectors for the elderly using cotton and organic fabric sourced from local suppliers, including the traditional “Shemane” fabric made from cotton, fleece, and 100% waterproof PUL fabric.
Hanan firmly believes that no girl should miss school due to her period and that no elderly person should feel ashamed or embarrassed due to circumstances beyond their control. She is committed to designing products that not only offer economic benefits and promote good health but also protect the environment by reducing plastic waste, which takes hundreds of years to decompose.
With a deep sense of care and compassion, Hanan leads the charge in ensuring that her products are meticulously crafted with the utmost attention to detail by a team of skilled women. Her company, Han’s Reusable Sanitary Manufacturing, embodies her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of women and the elderly.
Hanan’s dedication to creating a world where menstrual hygiene is not a barrier to education and where the elderly can live with dignity is a testament to her caring nature and vision for a better society. Hanan Cares is not just a motto; it’s a guiding principle that drives her every day.