Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Chuchu Softies tackles menstrual health and hygiene for underserved young girls in regions facing period poverty. The project focuses on providing cost-effective reusable pads, reducing urogenital infections, and empowering young girls.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Chuchu Softies is a femhealth startup that manufactures and distributes reusable menstrual products designed to last for up to 18 months, targeting underserved girls in particular. We provide a sustainable solution to the high cost of disposable products. The company focuses on making menstrual products accessible to all and seeks to eradicate period poverty through its offering. Our processes prioritizes quality, affordability and sustainability in reaching its goals by incorporating testing measures, using eco-friendly materials and cost effective methods. Our distribution model thrives on partnerships with NGOs in Ghana and Nigeria to reach our target market more effectively to make period poverty a thing of the past. Over 2-3 years, we have impacted 850 girls and raised over $ 40,000 in grants and sponsorships. We are globally recognized by the Nobellum, ALforHealth, GBSN, African Impact Initiative among several others. We aim to scale our impact across 15 more African countries.

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is period poverty among underserved young girls across African countries. According to UNICEF, over 500 million women lack access to affordable pads globally. Many girls and women particularly in rural areas cannot afford quality sanitary products due to the high costs of the product. This problem makes them miss school and other social activities and contract urogenital infections due to the use of inferior alternatives. Our company aims to address the problem of period poverty by focusing on three key areas. By offering 18 months reusable pads at a one-time price of $6.50, we help to keep girls in school and save significantly on menstrual products, allowing households to allocate resources to other essential needs. We also reduce urogenital infections through the distribution of safe, eco-friendly reusable pads and an educational campaign to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

The major benefits and advantages of using the products and services provided by Chuchu Softies are: 1. Our reusable pads are highly affordable, offering a one-time purchase price of $6.50 for a product that lasts 18 months. This period will allow them to save to get another purchase. This significantly reduces the monthly expense for disposable menstrual products, allowing girls and women to allocate their limited resources to other essential needs. 2. Our safe, eco-friendly reusable pads decompose completely after disposal. This helps to reduce waste in the community and contribute to a greener economy. 3. By empowering young girls to become menstrual health advocates, we encourage them to take active roles in their communities. This not only raises awareness about period poverty and menstrual hygiene but also promote a sense of leadership among young women.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Chuchu Softies' products and services are aimed at serving underprivileged young girls and women between the ages of 18-35 in regions facing period poverty in Nigeria and Ghana. Our targeted beneficiaries include young girls who lack access to affordable and safe menstrual products. We also focus on women in low-income households who struggle to afford menstrual products and need a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. We focus specifically on communities in Madina, Kitase and Berekuso in Ghana, as well as Kogi, Nassarawa and Benue States in Nigeria.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-11-21

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Blessing Ezugwu brings over three years of expertise as a procurement officer, having worked with prestigious organizations such as GIZ and the British Embassy. She plays a crucial role in guiding the direction of Chuchu Softies, collaborating closely with the founder to support the team's efforts. Blessing's responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring the project remains on track to meet its goals, and providing strategic guidance to navigate challenges. Her experience in procurement allows her to secure affordable deals with suppliers and negotiates prices to benefit our company. Blessing's ability to establish and maintain key partnerships with suppliers ensures that we can provide high-quality, cost-effective menstrual health products to our beneficiaries.

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

https://chuchusofties.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/chuchu_softies/ | https://ng.linkedin.com/company/chuchu-softies

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Chuchu Softies contributes to alleviating poverty by providing highly affordable reusable menstrual pads. In places where women and girls often spend a significant amount of their income on monthly menstrual products, our one-time purchase solution of $6.50 for pads that last 18 months offers a substantial cost saving advantage. By reducing the financial burden of menstrual health, we help girls and women in underserved communities allocate their income for other needs, contributing to the goal of no poverty. Our startup has also provided employment. in 2024 alone, we created over 7 new paid jobs.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Chuchu Softies significantly improves health outcomes by addressing menstrual hygiene management, a critical but often overlooked aspect of women's health. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to various health issues, including urogenital infections. By distributing safe, eco-friendly reusable pads and conducting educational campaigns on proper menstrual hygiene practices, we help to enhance the overall well-being of girls and women, allowing them to participate more fully in school and work without interruptions.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our solution contributes to quality education by helping underserved girls stay in school to be able to pursue their education without interruptions. This would have been the case if they did not have menstrual products.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Chuchu Softies is committed to promoting gender equality by empowering young girls and women through education and advocacy. We aim to provide the tools and knowledge they need to manage their menstrual health, reducing the stigma and barriers associated with menstruation. We help break gender inequality, enabling girls and women to reach their full potential.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

By providing eco-friendly menstrual products and educating communities about their use, we help reduce the environmental impact of disposable pads, which often contribute to waste and pollution.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

We have created 14 jobs since incorporation, 7 new jobs at the start of this year and we are actively recruiting. Our organization is also launching the Period Bank Initiative which will create even more jobs through advocacy. Our workforce consists of persons from Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon. Through these efforts, we economically empower people from different parts of Africa to earn a living and contribute to their countries growth.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

The pads are manufactured through the use of technology. The dimensions are designed using Computer-aided designs after which they are finally produced physically.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our solution provides girls with safe menstrual products to ensure that they are kept in school and can compete equally with boys. This prevents girls from missing school and enabling them to attend regularly, reducing inequalities in education

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our reusable pads promote sustainable consumption by offering a long-lasting alternative to disposable menstrual products. Each pad can be used for up to 18 months, thereby reducing the volume of waste generated by disposable products. By educating young girls about the environmental benefits of reusable pads, we encourage responsible consumption. Our manufacturing process also utilises best sustainable practices.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Chuchu Softies contributes to climate action by offering eco-friendly menstrual products that reduce environmental impact. Disposable pads and tampons often end up in landfills or oceans, contributing to pollution. Our reusable pads are made from sustainable materials, making it a better alternative to single-use pads.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

3

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

3

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

3

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

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our product is an improvement of existing menstrual health solutions by using sustainable and safe materials, make it reusable and cost-effective. This responds to the unmet demand for affordable menstrual products in low-income communities.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are Virtuous pads and Padup creations in Nigeria and Ecoperiods in Ghana. ChuChu Softies distinguishes itself from competitors through its affordable, high-quality reusable menstrual products, complemented by excellent after-sales support. With a competitive supplier base, we are able to achieve low-cost strategy without compromising quality. We also focus on product differentiation through our attractive and sustainable packaging design. Our strategic affiliations with organizations like Canada-Africa Impact Initiative and Nobellum Enterprise enhance our credibility and scalability. We maintain great customer relationships and a B2B business model that enables us to forge strong partnerships with NGOs, driving higher sales and impact than our competitors.

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

We have previously provided jobs to women to handle our packaging. This helped to build their entrepreneurial spirit. Also, through the launch of our Period Bank Initiative, we ignite social entrepreneurship through advocacy but not entirely limited to the menstrual health space. These efforts would without doubt spark an interest in girls to look to other areas of need in their communities.