Millions of girls in Nigeria and other parts of Africa face significant challenges during menstruation due to the high cost of sanitary pads. This has led to many girls missing school, skipping work, or staying indoors. However, two young innovators from Plateau State, Oghenekevwe William and Nwagboso Prayer, have developed an eco-friendly solution to address this issue. Their innovation, Girlified, produces biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana stem fibre, organic cotton, and cassava starch.
The idea for Girlified was born out of a research project at the University of Jos under the Naza Agape Foundation. The founders noticed that many girls and women were missing out on important aspects of their lives due to period poverty and plastic pollution. The biodegradable sanitary pads are made from locally available materials, making them affordable and accessible to many. Since launching the product in 2022, the impact has continued to grow, with the company producing over two million pads and reaching more than 70,000 women and girls across Nigeria.
The production facility is capable of making about 30,000 pads every day. According to Oghenekevwe William, the goal is to reduce period poverty among local women and girls who cannot access or afford sanitary pads. He believes that affordability is making a real difference in communities where many girls previously struggled to access menstrual products. The pads have boosted confidence among young girls, allowing them to attend school and work during their periods.
The innovation has attracted international attention, with the research receiving support from the Canadian Government through the Afri-Plastics Challenge. This programme focuses on reducing plastic waste while encouraging sustainable innovations. The support has enabled the founders to expand their production and reach more communities. Nwagboso Prayer, co-founder of Girlified, leads community outreach, free sanitary pad distribution, and menstrual hygiene awareness programmes for underserved girls and women across Nigeria.
The Naza Agape Foundation, led by Nwagboso Prayer, has impacted more than 18,000 people through education, welfare, and menstrual hygiene programmes. The foundation continues to distribute free sanitary pads to girls in underserved communities. With millions of girls across Africa still facing challenges accessing menstrual hygiene products, innovations like Girlified are proving that solutions can come from locally available materials.
The biodegradable sanitary pads decompose within six months, reducing plastic pollution and providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional sanitary pads. The company has already made a significant impact, and its innovative approach has the potential to be replicated in other parts of Africa. By addressing period poverty and plastic pollution, Girlified is making a positive difference in the lives of many girls and women.
As the company continues to grow, its founders remain committed to their goal of making sanitary pads accessible and affordable for all. With the support of international organizations and the Nigerian government, Girlified is poised to expand its reach and make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of girls and women across Africa.
Key points
- * The biodegradable sanitary pads are made from banana stem fibre, organic cotton, and cassava starch, making them fully biodegradable within six months. * The company has produced over two million sanitary pads and reached more than 70,000 women and girls across Nigeria. * The innovation has attracted international attention, with support from the Canadian Government through the Afri-Plastics Challenge.
