WDCDMX GNP 2021
Mary Nyaruai Mureithi is the founder of Nyungu Afrika, a social enterprise using circular design to end period poverty with safe, non-toxic and affordable period products made from agricultural waste. One of our winners for the No Waste Challenge, Mary says: ‘We are innovating towards period products that are not only good for women, but for Mother Earth, that cut across six UN sustainable goals.’ Their products are fully biodegradable, unlike conventional pads which are often packed with single-use plastics and harmful chemicals.
Speaking virtually, Mary explains how this brand of pads hopes to revolutionise the way menstruation is viewed in Africa by making use of under-utilised, locally abundant materials like pineapple leaves and corn husks while creating a positive impact for both consumers and non-consumers of sanitary pads by including them at all stages of the value chain—as entrepreneurs or employees in production, suppliers, distributors, health educators, and consumers.