Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" is a wonderful project that aims to promote gender equality, empower women and girls by providing access to menstrual hygiene products, education and a supportive environment.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Pad Up a Girl: Empowering Through Menstrual Health" aims to break down the barriers that menstruation often creates for girls and women. By providing the necessary products, education, and supportive environments, the project seeks to ensure that menstruation does not hinder the opportunities for women and girls to thrive in all aspects of life. Thereby providing the necessary products, education, and supportive environment. It does this in different ways like educating them about menstrual health, hygiene, and management. Breaking down stigmas and taboos surrounding menstruation. Promoting gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms. Empowering girls and women to take control of their reproductive health Empowering through economic opportunities

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem the "Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project is trying to solve is the lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene management for girls and women. This includes the insufficient availability of affordable and effective menstrual hygiene products, inadequate education on menstrual health, poor sanitation facilities, and the social stigma surrounding menstruation

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1) Improved School Attendance and Academic Performance. Providing menstrual hygiene products ensures that girls do not miss school due to their periods, leading to better attendance and continuity in education. 2) Enhanced Health and Hygiene Proper menstrual hygiene products help prevent infections and other health issues that can arise from using unhygienic materials. 3) Economic Empowerment Women can start businesses related to menstrual hygiene products, gaining financial independence and contributing to their communities. 4) Environmental Benefits Promoting sustainable product like reusable menstrual products, reduces waste and has a lower environmental impact compared to disposable products. 5) Social and Cultural Impact Awareness campaigns and education help normalize menstruation, breaking down cultural taboos and reducing stigma 6) Long-Term Impact on Gender Equality Ensuring that girls stay in school and perform well academically narrows the educational gender gap.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project targets a diverse group of beneficiaries, primarily focusing on school-aged girls, women and girls in low-income and rural communities, educators, community leaders, parents, women entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By addressing the needs of these groups, the project aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable impact on menstrual health management and gender equality.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-10-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Oluwatobiloba Grace Lawalson is a warm and empathetic individual with a passion for helping others. She believes in the power of community and connection. When she's not working on projects that promote gender equality and empowerment, she is reading. Her values are empathy, kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and creativity. She has worked with The Valued Girls Foundation as the program officer and assistant project manager. Which include skills like problem solving, critical thinking, project management and organization skills. She has also work as a legal consultant and team lead banking operations officer which includes skills like finance, investing, leadership, analytical skills, teamwork, risk management and consulting.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Czs92QPteKW/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The "Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project tackles period poverty through a holistic approach by providing essential menstrual hygiene products, education, improved sanitation facilities, stigma reduction, economic opportunities, and policy advocacy. These combined efforts ensure that girls and women can manage their menstruation with dignity, health, and confidence, leading to improved quality of life and greater participation in education and economic activities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

1) Enhanced Educational Opportunities: By providing menstrual hygiene products and education, the project ensures that girls do not miss school due to their periods. Regular attendance leads to better education outcomes, which can result in better job opportunities and economic stability, ultimately contributing to food security in the long term. 2) Agricultural Productivity: In many rural areas, women play a significant role in agriculture. Ensuring that they have access to menstrual hygiene products and education means they can participate fully in farming activities without interruption, contributing to food production and security. While the direct aim of the "Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project is to address menstrual health and hygiene, its broader impacts on education, economic empowerment, health, and community engagement can indirectly support the Zero Hunger goal. By improving the overall well-being and economic stability of women and girls.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project is a transformative initiative that significantly contributes to Good Health and Well-being. By addressing menstrual health comprehensively, it empowers women and girls, reduces health inequities, fosters community support, and ensures sustainable and long-term benefits. The project not only improves the physical health of its beneficiaries but also enhances their mental, emotional, and economic well-being, creating a positive and lasting impact on individuals and communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" contributes to gender equality by addressing menstrual health and hygiene issues that disproportionately affect women and girls. Through education, economic empowerment, health promotion, community engagement, and policy advocacy, the project empowers women and girls to lead healthier, more empowered lives. By challenging social norms and ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities, the project plays a crucial role in advancing gender equality and promoting a more inclusive society.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project significantly contributes to clean water and sanitation by improving sanitation facilities, ensuring access to clean water, promoting proper menstrual waste management, providing health and hygiene education, reducing stigma, and advocating for supportive policies. By addressing these areas, the project ensures that women and girls can manage their menstruation safely and with dignity, ultimately promoting healthier communities and advancing the goals of clean water and sanitation for all.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project makes significant contributions to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by developing local industries, fostering innovation in menstrual health products, improving infrastructure, building capacity and skills, empowering communities economically, advocating for supportive policies, and promoting sustainable practices. By addressing menstrual health and hygiene, the project not only enhances the quality of life for women and girls but also stimulates industrial growth, technological innovation, and sustainable infrastructure development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project makes significant contributions to reducing inequalities by ensuring access to menstrual health products, improving educational opportunities, economically empowering women, promoting health equity, reducing social stigma, advocating for inclusive policies, and supporting vulnerable populations. By addressing menstrual health and hygiene, the project not only improves the quality of life for women and girls but also helps create a more equitable and inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their socio-economic background or gender.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project significantly contributes to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by providing access to menstrual health products, improving sanitation facilities, promoting eco-friendly practices, and empowering women economically. By integrating these efforts into urban and rural development plans, the project helps create environments where all members of the community can thrive, ensuring that women and girls are not left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

"Pad Up a Girl: Empower HER" project makes significant contributions to Life on Land by promoting biodegradable and reusable menstrual products, supporting sustainable production practices, improving waste management, raising environmental awareness, advocating for sustainable policies, supporting biodiversity conservation, and empowering communities. By integrating these efforts into menstrual health initiatives, the project not only improves the quality of life for women and girls but also contributes to the preservation and health of terrestrial ecosystems. This holistic approach helps ensure that land ecosystems are protected and conserved for future generations.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

By leveraging resources, expertise, advocacy efforts, and community engagement through strategic partnerships, the project can maximize its impact, foster innovation, and create lasting positive change in communities. These collaborative efforts are essential for building resilient, inclusive societies where all individuals, especially women and girls, can thrive and achieve their full potential.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

4

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

4

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

3

05.08 Justification

By focusing on eco-friendly materials, reusable options, local production, innovative design features, safe disposal methods, cultural sensitivity, technology integration, and comprehensive kits, the project addresses the multifaceted needs of its users in a sustainable and impactful way. These innovations not only improve menstrual health management but also contribute to environmental sustainability and economic empowerment within the communities served.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Various organizations and initiatives. it stands out due to its holistic approach, sustainability focus, economic empowerment initiatives, commitment to accessibility, and active community engagement. These unique differentiators not only enhance the project's impact but also ensure it addresses the multifaceted challenges associated with menstrual health and hygiene in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

By providing education, resources, networking opportunities, policy support, and recognition. This will help to empower women to start and grow successful businesses. These efforts will not only benefit the individual entrepreneurs but also contribute to the overall economic and social development of the community