NAKUPENDA ECO PADS

In Tanzania, it’s estimated that only 8% of girls and women have access to commercial menstrual hygiene products92% of other girls cannot afford sanitary pads leading to missing school for 3-5 days each month. In accordance with a UNICEF report, the prevalent reasons for school absenteeism among Tanzanian girls during their menstruation include physical pain and discomfort, affecting 74% of them. Additionally, 34% of girls express concerns about potential embarrassment stemming from visible stains on their clothing and 42% are hindered by a lack of access to adequate menstrual materials. These critical factors emphasize the urgent need for support to ensure uninterrupted education for girls during their menstrual cycles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that using unsanitary materials during menstruation can lead to reproductive tract infections and other health issues, affecting millions of women and girls worldwide.

One of the critical challenges facing adolescents’ girls in Tanzania is lack of access to affordable and safe menstrual hygiene products .This is particularly prevalent in low-income communities where girls often resort to using unsanitary materials like rags and cow dung during their menstrual cycles. These crude solutions not only lead to discomfort but also pose serious health risks, including rashes and menstrual-related illnesses.   

The scale of this problem is significant, both in Tanzania and globally. In Tanzania alone, approximately 7 million adolescent girls face this challenge. Many of these girls come from marginalized backgrounds, living in impoverished communities where basic necessities are often out of reach. The problem extends beyond Tanzania's borders, affecting millions of girls in developing countries worldwide. According to UNICEF, around 1 in 10 girls in Africa misses school during their menstrual cycle due to the lack of proper menstrual hygiene products.

Several factors contribute to this pressing issue including;

Economic Barriers: Low-income families in Tanzania struggle to afford commercial menstrual hygiene products, which are often priced beyond their means. This financial constraint forces girls to seek cheaper alternatives.

Limited Awareness: Lack of comprehensive menstrual hygiene education in schools and communities leaves many girls uninformed about safe and hygienic practices during menstruation. This worsens the problem as they may not realize the potential health risks of using unhygienic materials.

Social Stigma: Menstruation is often considered a taboo subject in many societies in Tanzania. This stigma can prevent open discussions about menstrual health and deter girls from seeking help or information.

Nakupenda sanitary pads directly address the above-mentioned factors contributing to the problem. By providing affordable biodegradable pads, we tackle the economic barrier, ensuring that even girls from disadvantaged backgrounds can access safe and effective menstrual hygiene products. Additionally, our initiative involves education and awareness campaigns to empower girls with knowledge about proper menstrual hygiene, breaking the silence around this natural process.

Our biodegradable pads not only offer health benefits but also contribute to environmental sustainability as it takes 6 months to decompose, we help reduce the environmental impact.

Nakupenda pad Demonstration video

Nakupenda Sanitary Pads is a revolutionary menstrual hygiene product designed to provide affordable, safe and eco-friendly options for girls and women in Tanzania and beyond. Our solution is straightforward yet powerful, addressing the critical need for accessible and sustainable menstrual hygiene pads.

Nakupenda Sanitary Pads are biodegradable menstrual pads made from natural and sustainable materials which are sugarcane bagasse. These pads are designed to be comfortable, highly absorbent, and easy to use. What sets them apart is their commitment to both personal and environmental well-being.

Nakupenda sanitary pads can be easily used for 3 to 4 hours with a blood flow from 60-80 milliliters per period.

Our Nakupenda sanitary pads have the following features which sets them a part

Superior Absorbency: Nakupenda pads provide reliable protection during menstruation. Their advanced design ensures they absorb menstrual flow efficiently, preventing leaks and discomfort for users.

Affordable Access: We understand the financial constraints faced by many girls and women. Nakupenda sanitary pads are priced affordable  at 0.5 USD while other commercial pads price range from 1.5- 2.5 USD , This price ensures that even those with limited resources can access high-quality menstrual hygiene products.

Eco-Friendly Material: Our pads are crafted from biodegradable sugarcane bagasse, which means they break down naturally for not more than 6 months, unlike modern pads which takes 500-800 years to decompose, they don't contribute to long-lasting environmental pollution. This aligns with our mission to create a healthier planet for future generations.

Educational Initiatives: Nakupenda is not just about the product; it's also about empowerment through knowledge. We conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and health. By breaking the silence around menstruation, we aim to dispel myths and promote safe practices.

Support for Communities: Our initiative goes beyond providing pads. We support local communities by creating employment opportunities through the production and distribution of Nakupenda Sanitary Pads. This fosters economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level.

The Technology behind Nakupenda Sanitary Pads, we utilize modern technology in production processes to ensure efficiency and consistency in quality. The production process of our sanitary pads starts  with sourcing of raw materials which are sugarcane bagasse, sorting and cutting the raw materials into smaller particles, followed by boiling the raw materials to remove the sugar content, then mixing the boiled mixture with the binder, The mixture is then dried and comes out as a paper like material which is the core absorbent layer of our sanitary pad, we lastly use cotton as the top and bottom layer of our sanitary pad because its soft and does not irritate the skin.

In essence, Nakupenda Sanitary Pads are more than just a product; they represent a holistic solution to a pressing issue. They provide comfort, reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility. By choosing Nakupenda, you're not only taking care of your own menstrual health but also contributing to a cleaner, more equitable world for everyone.

Nakupenda Sanitary Pads primarily serve adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania, especially those from marginalized and low-income communities. These individuals are currently underserved in several critical ways including:

Economic Disadvantage: Many girls and women in Tanzania, particularly in rural and impoverished areas, struggle to afford commercial menstrual hygiene products. This economic barrier forces them to resort to unsanitary materials like rags and clothes during their menstrual cycles.

Health Risks: The use of unhygienic materials can lead to a range of health issues, including rashes, infections, and reproductive tract complications. Without access to safe and reliable menstrual hygiene products, the well-being of these girls and women is compromised.

Education Interruption: Inadequate menstrual hygiene management often leads to school absenteeism among adolescent girls. Missing school days during their menstrual cycle affects their educational progress and future opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

How Nakupenda Sanitary Pads Address Their Needs:

Affordability: Nakupenda Sanitary Pads are priced affordably, making them accessible to girls and women from low-income backgrounds. By eliminating the financial barrier, we ensure that they can manage their menstruation with dignity.

Health and Well-being: Our biodegradable pads offer a safe and hygienic alternative to traditional materials. They are designed for comfort and superior absorbency, reducing the risk of rashes, infections, and other menstrual-related health issues.

Educational Empowerment: Nakupenda recognizes the importance of education. By providing girls with reliable menstrual hygiene products, we enable them to attend school regularly and without interruption. This empowers them to pursue their dreams and break the cycle of poverty.

Community Empowerment: Our initiative creates employment opportunities within local communities, especially among women involved in the production and distribution of Nakupenda Sanitary Pads. This not only stimulates economic growth but also empowers women economically and socially.

Environmental Responsibility: Nakupenda Sanitary Pads are eco-friendly, designed to decompose naturally and minimize environmental impact. By choosing our product, girls and women also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable planet.

In summary, Nakupenda Sanitary Pads directly and meaningfully improve the lives of adolescent girls and women in Tanzania by addressing their specific needs. We bridge the gap in access to affordable, safe, and environmentally responsible menstrual hygiene products, ensuring that menstruation no longer stands in the way of their health, education, and overall well-being. Our solution empowers them to lead healthier, more dignified lives and contributes to a more sustainable future for all.

I am Olivaleah Uliki the founder and CEO of Nakupenda Sanitary Pads.I have a deep personal connection to the communities we are serving. I was born and raised in Mwanza, Tanzania, and I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that girls and women face when it comes to menstrual hygiene. I have seen the impact on their health, education, and overall well-being. This personal experience drives my commitment to making a difference in their lives.

Our team consists of individuals who share this close connection to the target population. We have 4 team members who have grown up in similar communities and have experienced the same challenges. This shared background allows us to understand the needs, concerns, and cultural nuances of the communities we serve.

Ou team believes in the importance of involving the communities we serve in the design and implementation of our solution. To ensure that our approach is meaningful and sustainable, we have taken the following steps:

Community Surveys and Needs Assessment: We have conducted extensive surveys and needs assessments within our target communities. We have engaged community leaders, local organizations, and individuals to understand their specific challenges and preferences regarding menstrual hygiene products.

Focus Group Discussions: We have organized focus group discussions with adolescent girls and women to gather their input, ideas, and feedback. This has helped us tailor our product design and educational initiatives to their preferences and needs.

Local Partnerships: We have established partnerships with local NGOs such as Wadada, EBLI and Hope for youth organizations and women's groups that have a deep understanding of the communities we serve. These partnerships allow us to collaborate closely with community members and integrate their insights into our work.

Cultural Sensitivity: We recognize the cultural significance of menstruation in Tanzanian society. We have engaged local leaders and influencers to promote open discussions about menstrual health and break down stigma and taboos.

Team Representation:

Our team is a representative of the communities we serve. I Olivaleah the Team Lead, and other 4  team members have lived and experienced the challenges faced by adolescent girls and women in Tanzania. This firsthand knowledge informs our decision-making processes and ensures that our solutions are culturally sensitive and relevant.

In summary, our team's deep personal connection to the communities we serve, our engagement with community members, and our commitment to cultural sensitivity make us well-positioned to design and deliver the Nakupenda Sanitary Pads solution. We are not outsiders imposing a solution but rather community members working from within to address a critical issue that we intimately understand. Our approach is rooted in the voices and needs of the communities we serve, ensuring that our solution is both effective and empowering.

Nakupenda Eco Pad is currently serving a diverse and growing user base, with a significant focus on adolescent girls. Here's a breakdown of the number of people our solution is currently serving:

Adolescent Girls: We are directly serving approximately 2,100 adolescent girls. These girls are benefiting from our affordable and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products, which help them manage their menstruation with safety and dignity.

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations): We are currently collaborating with 4 NGOs. These organizations are using Nakupenda Eco Pads as part of their initiatives to improve menstrual hygiene among the communities they work with. This collaboration extends our reach and impact.

Women Charity Groups: We have established partnerships with 6 women's charity groups. These groups distribute Nakupenda Eco Pads within their communities, ensuring that more women and girls have access to our products. These partnerships enhance our ability to reach underserved areas.

Geographic Focus: Our customers predominantly originate from the Lake zone regions of Tanzania. This geographic focus allows us to target areas with specific needs and ensure that our solution reaches those who need it most.

By serving these diverse user groups, Nakupenda Eco Pad is actively addressing the challenges of menstrual hygiene in Tanzania and contributing to the well-being, health, and empowerment of adolescent girls and women. We remain committed to expanding our reach and impact to serve even more individuals in the future.

Nakupenda Eco Pad approaches the menstrual hygiene challenge in Tanzania through a multi-faceted and innovative approach:

1. Sustainable and Affordable: Our solution introduces biodegradable menstrual pads at an affordable price, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional non-biodegradable products that harm the environment. This addresses the dual challenges of health and environmental pollution.

2. Holistic Education: We couple our product with comprehensive menstrual hygiene education. This approach empowers girls and women with the knowledge and awareness needed for safe menstrual practices, breaking cultural taboos and fostering open conversations.

3. Community Empowerment: Our business model promotes economic empowerment within local communities. By establishing production and distribution networks within these communities, we create job opportunities for women, leading to broader economic growth and gender equality.

4. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing the cultural significance of menstruation, we work with local leaders to promote acceptance and open discussions. This has the potential to create a cultural shift in how menstruation is perceived.

5. Eco-Friendly Materials: Nakupenda Eco Pad leverages biodegradable materials and efficient production techniques, reducing environmental impact. While our core innovation is in sustainability and community empowerment, we also use modern technology for efficient production and distribution.

Our solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts by influencing the industry to prioritize eco-friendly and affordable menstrual hygiene products. By introducing a new business model that empowers women and promotes local economic development, we can change the market dynamics, encouraging a shift towards sustainable, cost-effective, and socially inclusive solutions. While the core technology is not entirely new, our innovative approach lies in the combination of affordable, eco-friendly products, community empowerment, and comprehensive education, which together contribute to a transformative impact on menstrual hygiene in Tanzania.

Our Impact Goals:

Next Year (1-Year Goal):

• To invest in a semi-automatic sanitary pad manufacturing machine
• To serve and provide affordable, eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products to at least 5,000 adolescent girls in Tanzania, promoting their health, dignity, and access to education.

Next Five Years (5-Year Goals):

Reach and serve over 50,000 adolescent girls and women in Tanzania with Nakupenda Eco Pads.

Establish partnerships with local schools, health centers, and NGOs to integrate comprehensive menstrual hygiene education into curricula and community outreach programs.

Reduce school absenteeism among girls during their menstrual cycles by at least 35% in target regions.

Create and sustain at least 20 job opportunities for women in the production and distribution of Nakupenda Eco Pads within our partner communities.

Expand our initiative to other regions in East Africa to serve a broader population of girls and women, reaching at least 100,000 individuals.

How We Plan to Achieve These Impact Goals:

1-Year Goal:

• Increase production and distribution capacity to meet the demand for Nakupenda Eco Pads.
• Collaborate with local NGOs and community leaders to identify and reach target beneficiaries.
• Implement an extensive awareness campaign on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the availability of our products.
• Collect and analyze data on the number of beneficiaries reached to track progress and adjust strategies accordingly.

5-Year Goals:

• Scaling Outreach: We will continue to expand our outreach and distribution networks within Tanzania and explore opportunities to extend our reach to neighboring East African countries.
• Comprehensive Education: Collaborate with schools, health centers, and local NGOs to integrate comprehensive menstrual hygiene education into their programs. This will include teacher training, curriculum development, and community workshops.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track school attendance, job creation, and other key metrics. This data will help us measure our progress and make data-driven decisions.
• Community Empowerment: Expand our community engagement initiatives to create sustainable job opportunities for women involved in the production and distribution of Nakupenda Eco Pads. We will partner with local women's groups and community organizations to achieve this.
• Advocacy and Partnerships: Seek partnerships with governmental bodies, international organizations, and businesses interested in supporting our mission. Collaborate with these entities to leverage resources, expand our impact, and advocate for the importance of sustainable menstrual hygiene.

By setting and working towards these impact goals, Nakupenda Eco Pad aims to create a transformative impact on the lives of adolescent girls and women in Tanzania and the broader East African region. Our approach combines affordable and eco-friendly products with comprehensive education, community engagement, and empowerment, with the overarching goal of promoting health, dignity, and access to education.

Theory of Change for Nakupenda Eco Pad:

Short-Term Impact (Immediate Outputs):

Affordable and Eco-Friendly Pads: We provide adolescent girls and women in Tanzania with affordable, biodegradable Nakupenda Eco Pads. This ensures that they have access to safe and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products.

Comprehensive Education: We conduct educational programs and workshops to impart knowledge about proper menstrual hygiene and break the silence around menstruation. This empowers girls and women with essential information to manage their menstruation safely.

Local Production and Distribution: By establishing local production and distribution, we create job opportunities for women within the communities we serve. This economic empowerment contributes to local development and supports access to Nakupenda Eco Pads.

Intermediate Impact (Longer-Term Outcomes):

Health and Well-being: By using Nakupenda Eco Pads, girls and women experience improved menstrual health. They are less likely to suffer from rashes, infections, or reproductive tract complications, leading to overall better well-being.

Educational Access: The affordability and accessibility of Nakupenda Eco Pads reduce school absenteeism among girls during their menstrual cycles. This leads to better educational outcomes and long-term opportunities for girls.

Economic Empowerment: The sustainable job opportunities created through our initiative uplift women in the community. This economic empowerment has a positive ripple effect on families and the community at large.

Environmental Sustainability: The use of biodegradable materials in Nakupenda Eco Pads contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste. This reflects positively on the communities' environmental health.

Long-Term Impact (Broader Positive Changes):

Cultural Shift: Breaking the silence and taboos around menstruation leads to cultural changes, where open discussions and acceptance of menstruation as a natural process become the norm.

Economic Growth: Our focus on community empowerment, especially women, leads to broader economic growth within these communities, fostering self-sufficiency and reducing poverty.

Industry Influence: Nakupenda Eco Pad sets an example for sustainable menstruation products, influencing other businesses and organizations to prioritize eco-friendly and affordable solutions.

Access to Comprehensive Education: By integrating comprehensive menstrual hygiene education into schools and communities, our initiative contributes to a more informed and health-conscious population.

Nakupenda Eco Pad's impact is achieved by providing affordable, eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products and education in the short term. This leads to better menstrual health, reduced school absenteeism, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability in the long term. The long-term impact includes cultural shifts, broader economic growth, industry influence, and better access to comprehensive education for girls and women. By following this logical framework, we aim to create a transformative impact on the lives of our target population in Tanzania and beyond.

Our team consists of:

4 Full-Time Founder Members: These members are actively and fully engaged in running and managing the startup. They are  responsible for various aspects of the initiative, including strategy, operations, and leadership.

4 Part-Time Workers in Distribution: These are young women who work part-time in the distribution of Nakupenda Pads. Their role involves getting the product to the target users efficiently.

Our team has been running this business for 1 year and 4 months 

Tanzania smartlife company the manufacturer of Nakupenda eco pad is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work. We recognize that these principles are essential not only for the success of our initiative but also for addressing the challenges faced by adolescent girls and women effectively.

1. Diversity in Leadership:

Our leadership team is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. Our team comprises individuals from different backgrounds, genders, and age groups. This diversity allows us to bring varied perspectives to our decision-making processes and ensures that our approach is more comprehensive and culturally sensitive.

2. Inclusivity in Outreach:

We actively engage with the communities we serve, ensuring that the voices and needs of adolescent girls and women are at the forefront of our work. This means incorporating local knowledge and feedback into our initiatives, making decisions in partnership with the community, and respecting the cultural nuances and preferences of our beneficiaries.

3. Equity in Economic Empowerment:

Our solution is designed to empower women within our partner communities, creating job opportunities and economic growth. By prioritizing gender equity and providing opportunities for women's advancement, we aim to address disparities that have historically prevented full participation.

4. Education and Awareness:

Our menstrual hygiene education programs are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community. By promoting open conversations about menstruation and breaking cultural taboos, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

5. Future Goals:

While our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is strong, we recognize that there is always room for improvement. We are continuously working on enhancing our approach. Our goals include:

Expanding our outreach to underserved and marginalized communities to ensure that our impact reaches those who need it most.

Collaborating with organizations and individuals with expertise in diversity and inclusivity to further strengthen our approach.

Monitoring and evaluating our initiatives to ensure that they are effectively addressing disparities and barriers.

Actively listening to and incorporating feedback from the community to make our approach more inclusive and responsive to their unique needs.

By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusivity, we aim not only to create a more just and equal society but also to build an initiative that can more effectively address the challenges of menstrual hygiene and improve the lives of girls and women in Tanzania.

BUSINESS MODEL FOR NAKUPENDA ECO PAD PRODUCTS:

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

• Adolescent Girls and Women: These are the primary beneficiaries of our initiative. They are the key customers for Nakupenda Eco Pads, which provide them with affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products, addressing their health and dignity.
• Local Communities: The communities in Tanzania, especially in underserved regions, benefit from our initiative. They gain access to economic opportunities through job creation and empowerment programs, fostering community development.

Products and Services:

• Nakupenda Eco Pads: We provide affordable, biodegradable menstrual pads to adolescent girls and women in Tanzania. These pads offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for their menstrual hygiene needs.
• Comprehensive Education: In addition to products, we conduct educational programs and workshops to raise awareness about proper menstrual hygiene. This empowers girls and women with knowledge and helps break the silence around menstruation.
• Community Empowerment: We create job opportunities within the communities we serve through local production and distribution of Nakupenda Eco Pads. This empowerment has a broader positive impact on families and the local economy.

Delivery Model:

• Nakupenda Eco Pads are produced locally to ensure accessibility and affordability. They are distributed through retailers, wholesalers, community networks, schools, health centers, and local NGOs.
• Educational programs are conducted in collaboration with local schools, health centers, and community organizations. We ensure that they are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
• Community empowerment programs are established by creating partnerships with local women's groups and community organizations. These partnerships support job creation and economic growth.

Value Proposition:

• For Adolescent Girls and Women: Nakupenda Eco Pads offer affordable and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene, promoting health, dignity, and access to education.
• For Local Communities: Our initiative fosters economic growth, job opportunities, and gender empowerment, leading to broader community development.

Revenue Model:

We generate revenue through the sale of Nakupenda Eco Pads. These sales cover production costs and contribute to the sustainability of our initiative. Additionally, we seek funding from grants, impact investors, and partnerships to support our educational and community empowerment programs.

Why Our Products and Services Are Needed:

• Nakupenda Eco Pads are needed because they provide an affordable, sustainable, and biodegradable solution to the menstrual hygiene challenge faced by girls and women in Tanzania. They offer health benefits, reduce school absenteeism, and address environmental concerns.
• Comprehensive education is necessary to break cultural taboos and provide girls and women with essential knowledge for safe menstrual practices
• Community empowerment is needed to create economic opportunities, especially for women, and to promote gender equity and broader economic development in underserved regions.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a combination of revenue streams and funding sources to cover our expected expenses, ensure growth, and maintain our impact over the long term:

1. Product Sales: The primary revenue source is the sale of Nakupenda Eco Pads to adolescent girls and women. We aim to make these pads affordable and accessible, allowing us to generate revenue while serving our target population. The revenue from product sales will cover production costs and contribute to our sustainability.

2. Grants and Donations: We will actively seek grants and donations from governmental bodies, international organizations, and philanthropic foundations that are aligned with our mission. These funds will support our educational programs, community empowerment initiatives, and awareness campaigns. Grants and donations will play a crucial role in expanding our impact.

3. Partnerships: We will explore partnerships with NGOs, schools, and health centers, which can lead to service contracts or collaborative projects. These partnerships can provide additional funding for our initiatives, especially educational programs and distribution efforts.

4. Product Diversification: In the future, we may diversify our product offerings to include other sustainable and eco-friendly solutions related to women's health and hygiene. This can create additional revenue streams and strengthen our financial sustainability.

By combining these revenue streams and funding sources, we aim to ensure that Nakupenda Eco Pad remains financially sustainable. We will continuously track our financial performance, manage expenses efficiently, and seek new opportunities for growth to cover expected expenses and expand our impact on menstrual hygiene and women's empowerment in Tanzania.