Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

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 Décrivez votre startup en détail

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 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

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 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 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 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

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 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

21/11/2021

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

1

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, 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 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

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

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Soins de santé (équipements et services de santé)

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

6

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

6

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

6

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

5

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

6

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

3

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

6

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

3

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

2

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

3

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

4

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

3

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

3

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

3

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

3

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

6

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

5

06.08 Justification

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 Analyse compétitive

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 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes 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.