Celebrating Black History Month

A Tribute to Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner - Inventor of the Sanitary Napkin Belt

In honor of Black History Month, PridePads Africa remembers and celebrates Mary Beatrice Davison Kenner (1912- 2006), the brilliant African American inventor whose adjustable sanitary belt revolutionized menstrual care well before adhesive pads. Without Mary’s hard work and innovation, we wouldn’t have the pads we use today - the pads that help keep girls in school. We deeply admire Mary for her hard work, which often meant facing racism, gender bias, and the then taboo subject of menstrual care. 

Born in North Carolina to a family of inventors, Mary was inspired from an early age. Her grandfather created a tricolor train signal, her father patented a suitcase clothes presser, and her sister designed a board game. With the spirit of invention, Mary, who often had trouble sleeping, spent restless nights sketching practical ideas—from self-oiling hinges and umbrella sponge tips to convertible car roofs. As it turned out, Mary’s inventive mind would one day transform menstrual care. 

When Mary’s family moved to Washington D.C., she’d stalk the U.S. Patent Office halls at age 12 to check her ideas' originality. After her high school graduation in 1931, she entered Howard University but had to drop out after 18 months due to lack of finances. She then worked a series of odd jobs before landing a federal employee position. The entire time, she continued tinkering and working on possible inventions, with one problem continuing to plague her - the lack of money, as filing a patent was expensive at the time. 

But Mary persevered, and in 1957 she secured her first patent for a sanitary napkin belt. The timing was perfect, for during these years disposable pads were not yet widely available, and women were still relying on cloth pads and rags. Mary’s adjustable design promised much for women - it had a built-in moisture-proof pocket to prevent stains and leaks. Mary’s sanitary belt caught the attention of many, including a New York marketing rep, who came to Mary’s house to learn more. However, upon seeing Mary was black, the rep decided to pass on Mary’s invention. Unfortunately, Mary didn’t profit from her patent, and it eventually lapsed. 

While Mary's adjustable sanitary belt and other subsequent inventions didn't bring the success she envisioned, her lifelong dedication inspired generations—filing five patents, more than any other African American woman. Her inspiration came from daily life - patenting a serving tray and soft pocket for her sister Mildred's MS walking frame, an always-accessible toilet paper holder, and a wall-mounted shower back washer, all without a degree or financial backing, driven by passion.

This month, we salute Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner for her important contribution to women. Mary’s motto is, “Every person is born with a creative mind. Everyone has that ability,” encapsulates our work at PridePads to ensure all women and girls succeed in life - through education and gainful employment, uninterrupted by inadequate menstrual health education and supplies. 

Thank you all for your continued support of our mission,

The PridePads Africa Board of Directors