Venille

Our innovation at Venille is firmly rooted in addressing critical issues related to sexual and reproductive health, with a particular focus on period poverty and its far-reaching consequences.

Period poverty is a widespread challenge that affects a staggering 2.3 billion people worldwide, including women and young girls who grapple with inadequate access to essential menstrual products. This pervasive issue is a global concern, especially pronounced in developing countries, where millions of women and girls are significantly impacted. The absence of access to proper menstrual hygiene products severely constrains their ability to manage their periods safely and with dignity. The negative repercussions of this lack are multifaceted, spanning education, economic opportunities, reproductive health, and overall well-being. Girls and women are frequently compelled to miss school and work during their periods, leading to diminished overall community productivity and adverse effects on the general economy.

To put the global scale of the problem into perspective, UNICEF estimates that approximately 500 million individuals worldwide lack access to suitable menstrual hygiene products. This staggering figure underscores the gravity of the issue, accentuating the health risks and societal inequalities that pervade communities.

In Nigeria for example, the situation is no less alarming. A significant 37% of menstruators face the harsh reality of not having access to the menstrual products they so urgently need. This lack of access not only jeopardizes their educational and occupational pursuits but also hinders their active participation in daily life. The ramifications of this scarcity extend beyond the physical domain and manifest as profound emotional and psychological distress. In the absence of proper menstrual products, individuals often resort to makeshift solutions involving unsanitary materials like rags, tissues, or even feathers. This not only endangers their physical and reproductive health but also subjects them to profound indignity and humiliation. The use of these makeshift alternatives is emotionally distressing, causing feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and compromised self-esteem. These consequences are enduring, potentially leading to a persistent sense of reduced self-confidence and an elevated vulnerability to negative emotional and mental health outcomes, including anxiety and disempowerment.

There is also a profound knowledge gap regarding sexual and reproductive health, especially among women and girls in rural areas, is a distressing aspect of this predicament. This gap hampers their capacity to make informed decisions and take charge of their own sexual well-being. The far-reaching implications include not only individual health but also broader issues concerning gender equality, family planning, and community welfare. Bridging this knowledge gap is imperative for improving overall well-being and fostering gender equity.

Simultaneously, conventional sanitary pads contribute significantly to plastic pollution, exacerbating the environmental crisis. These pads, typically composed of up to 90% plastic polymers, are used on a global scale, resulting in extensive environmental harm. The dire consequences of plastic pollution encompass ecosystem degradation, harm to marine life, and adverse effects on human health. Venille is designed to collectively tackle these identified issues.

Venille represents an innovative solution meticulously designed to address pressing concerns at the intersection of sexual and reproductive health, environmental sustainability, and menstrual hygiene. We are dedicated to combating the detrimental effects of period poverty, a global challenge with profound implications for women and girls worldwide. Simultaneously, we seek to alleviate the environmental crisis caused by conventional sanitary pads.

At the heart of our endeavor is the Venille Sanitary Pad, a biodegradable and cost-effective menstrual hygiene product crafted from natural cotton and processed banana fiber. This eco-friendly approach extends from the product itself to its packaging. Our pads are meticulously manufactured using locally sourced, natural plant-based fibers, emphasizing quality, comfort, and affordability. In fact, Venille sanitary pads are 30% more cost-efficient than conventional alternatives, ensuring accessibility to girls and women from rural and lower-income communities.

The core of our innovation lies in transforming locally abundant agricultural waste, namely banana stems, into a super-absorbent material that constitutes the absorbent core of our sanitary pads. This unique process represents the culmination of our custom, innovative approach, ultimately replacing the synthetic materials found in typical commercial pads.

Our three-layered Venille Sanitary Pad boasts an organic cotton top sheet, replacing conventional polypropylene, and a banana fiber absorbent core that is scientifically proven to outperform Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) in water absorption. The bottom sheet, serving as a barrier, is also crafted from organic cotton. Crucially, our pads decompose entirely within six months of disposal, in stark contrast to the 500+ years it takes conventional sanitary pads to break down. This key attribute underscores our commitment to reducing plastic waste associated with menstrual products, promoting environmental sustainability.

Our eco-friendly sanitary pads offer a sustainable alternative to conventional, plastic-laden pads. In addition to their comfortable and hygienic properties, they empower women and girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity, mitigating the far-reaching effects of period poverty. By addressing this issue, we enable women to actively participate in education and economic activities, ultimately leading more fulfilling lives.

Our venture is fortified by strategic partnerships with non-governmental organizations, community groups, and educational campaigns that raise awareness of its benefits and broader impact. The pivotal societal and environmental advantages of Venille pads are shared and advocated through these collaborations, facilitating wide-scale adoption of this innovative solution.

Our initiative transcends immediate benefits by aligning with global efforts to improve Sexual and reproductive health through accessible products, combating climate change, reduced pollution, and conserving vital natural resources. These intertwined challenges underscore the urgency of our approach, which provides a scalable, innovative solution capable of fostering equity, improving health, and creating a sustainable, healthier planet for future generations.

Our work is primarily targeted towards girls and women of menstrual age (12-45), particularly those living in rural areas. These individuals often have financial constraints that hinder their ability to access essential menstrual health products, such as sanitary pads. Even when they have the financial means, these products may not be readily available in their communities. As a feminine hygiene product, our sanitary pad is centered entirely around the needs of women and girls. 

In the developmental stages, we actively engaged women and girls as beneficiaries and users, ensuring that their voices and experiences were central to our product's design and functionality. Our commitment is to provide a safe, healthy, and affordable solution that caters to their specific needs and preferences. We also organize educational outreaches where we distribute free samples of our pads and collect valuable feedback. This two-way engagement not only raises awareness about menstrual health but also fosters a collaborative relationship with our users. Their insights and suggestions play a pivotal role in product refinement and development. At present, our workforce comprises approximately 85% women and girls, a reflection of our commitment to women's economic empowerment. Our future plans include predominantly hiring women and girls for the various facets of production, sales, and distribution of our pads. This approach not only bolsters economic opportunities for women but also emphasizes the central role they play in our organization's operations.

Our solution ensures that women and girls have access to affordable, high-quality menstrual health solutions, promoting their well-being and autonomy in a manner that is respectful, inclusive, and empowering.

Venille's strength lies in our deeply rooted connection to the communities we serve, which enables us to design and deliver solutions tailored to their specific needs. We believe that meaningful change starts from within, and our team, led by Esther Olalude, is representative of the very communities we aim to impact.

Esther Olalude, our founder, is a passionate advocate for women's health and well-being. Growing up in Nigeria, she witnessed firsthand the challenges that women and girls face due to period poverty. This personal connection drives her commitment to addressing this issue. Her journey is emblematic of the struggles faced by many women in similar circumstances. We understand these challenges intimately, and this understanding forms the bedrock of our venture.

Our team is also reflective of our target communities, with a workforce that is 85% women. This ensures that our approach is rooted in the experiences and perspectives of the very individuals we aim to empower. Our team members are not just advocates; they are change-makers who are directly impacted by the issue at hand.

We actively engage with these communities to understand their needs, aspirations, and challenges. We believe in community-led development, which involves consulting, listening, and involving community members in the design and implementation of our solutions. We conduct surveys, host focus group discussions, and visit communities to gain insights into their unique experiences. This community-centered approach ensures that our solution is genuinely meaningful and addresses their specific concerns.

Furthermore, our engagement extends to partnerships with local NGOs and community organizations. We work closely with these entities to create awareness, educate, and distribute our eco-friendly sanitary pads. These partnerships not only help us reach a broader audience but also allow us to learn from local experts and community leaders.

The design and implementation of our solution are meaningfully guided by the communities' input, ideas, and agendas. Their feedback shapes our product development, distribution strategies, and educational campaigns. In this way, our solution is a reflection of their voices and aspirations.

We currently serve 87 beneficiaries, including girls and women living in both urban and rural areas. These individuals get our pads through either purchase, or as free samples from outreaches, and use them. 

Our innovation at Venille is characterized by several novel aspects that distinguish us in the field of menstrual hygiene and sustainability.

Firstly, our innovative use of locally abundant banana stem fibers as the core material for our sanitary pads represents a fresh and resourceful approach. While conventional sanitary pads rely heavily on plastic polymers, Venille's pads utilize agricultural waste that is typically discarded, thus contributing to waste reduction and repurposing.

Secondly, our focus on affordability, without compromising quality, is a unique proposition. Many sustainable menstrual products on the market are often priced at a premium, limiting their accessibility. Venille aims to make eco-friendly menstrual hygiene accessible to a broader demographic by ensuring our products are 30% more affordable than traditional alternatives.

Thirdly, Venille's commitment to circularity and environmental stewardship sets it apart. Our pads decompose within six months, eliminating the long-term pollution caused by plastic in conventional pads. We are actively engaged in reducing our environmental footprint and promoting responsible consumption and production.

Fourthly, our multifaceted approach to addressing period poverty goes beyond product distribution. We conduct educational outreach programs to empower women and girls with knowledge about menstrual health, reproductive rights, and the environmental impact of menstrual products. This comprehensive approach is instrumental in breaking down societal stigmas and empowering women.

Lastly, our emphasis on creating local partnerships and engaging communities in the production process fosters a sense of ownership and sustainability. We actively collaborate with local banana farmers, providing them with an additional source of income, and supporting circular economy principles. The novel aspects of our innovation lie in the creative use of locally sourced materials, affordability, commitment to circularity, multifaceted approach to social impact, and community involvement. These innovative approaches collectively address period poverty and environmental concerns, making Venille a standout solution in the field.

Our goal for the next five years is to impact at least a 100,000 local women and girls as users of our product, employees and benefactors of our impact health talks and programs. Our impact will cover several areas of their lives including education, health, employment and social life.

Next Year (2024):

1. Distribute 20,000 Venille Sanitary Pads to women and girls in underserved communities, directly addressing period poverty.

2. Conduct 10 educational outreach programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about menstrual health and sustainable menstrual products.

3. Establish partnerships with local banana farmers to source raw materials for our pads, positively impacting their income and promoting circular economy principles.

4. Collaborate with at least two NGOs to expand our reach and impact in rural areas.

Next Five Years (2028):

1. Scale up production and distribution to provide 1 million Venille Sanitary Pads to women and girls in developing countries, significantly reducing the impact of period poverty.

2. Expand educational outreach to reach 100 schools and communities, empowering women and girls with knowledge about menstrual health and environmental sustainability.

3. Set up regional production centers in key areas to create local job opportunities and reduce transportation costs.

4. Collaborate with international organizations to advocate for sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions and raise awareness on a global scale.

5. Reduce plastic waste by preventing 200 tons of conventional sanitary pads from entering landfills and oceans.

To achieve these impact goals, we will continue to refine our production processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs, allowing us to provide more affordable sanitary pads. We will also actively seek partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and other organizations to expand our reach and ensure that our educational programs reach the communities that need them the most. Additionally, we will work on improving our supply chain and distribution channels to make our products more accessible in remote areas.

At the heart of our theory of change is a simple yet powerful premise that underpins the expected impact of our solution. By providing affordable and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products to women and girls in underserved communities, we anticipate a twofold transformation. This approach aims to alleviate the immediate challenges associated with period poverty while concurrently addressing pressing issues related to environmental sustainability. 

Our immediate outputs include the production of Venille Sanitary Pads, crafted from natural cotton and processed banana fiber, resulting in the creation of a product that is comfortable, hygienic, and 30% more affordable than conventional alternatives. We also actively engage in raising awareness and educating women and girls about the benefits of using eco-friendly menstrual products. These activities involve partnerships with NGOs and community organizations to ensure that our target population understands the advantages of our solution. Additionally, accessibility is a key component of our strategy, and we collaborate with local organizations and leverage distribution networks to ensure our eco-friendly pads reach underserved areas where conventional options may not be available.

These outputs are expected to lead to a range of positive outcomes. First, improved menstrual health is anticipated as women and girls gain access to high-quality sanitary pads that are free from harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of infections, rashes, and allergies. Second, by using our eco-friendly products, women and girls can confidently attend school and work during their periods, which is expected to increase their overall economic opportunities and income-earning potential. Moreover, the use of our biodegradable pads will contribute to a significant reduction in plastic waste and its environmental effects, with a six-month decomposition period compared to over 500 years for regular pads. Lastly, our educational initiatives are expected to empower women and girls with knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, fostering informed choices and broader implications for gender equality, family planning, and community well-being.

These immediate outputs and short-term outcomes collectively drive the long-term impact. The expected long-term impact encompasses improved well-being for women and girls, furthering gender equality, contributing to a reduction in plastic waste and a more sustainable environment, and promoting community development. In essence, our theory of change outlines a process where our initial activities and outputs lead to short-term outcomes, which in turn drive the lasting and meaningful impact we aim to achieve. This theory is substantiated by third-party research, findings from process evaluations, and data collected from our extensive engagement with the target population, providing a logical and evidence-based foundation for our belief in the potential of Venille's solution to create a substantial and enduring impact on both people and the planet.

Venille has a total of 10 staff

4 full time staff

4 part time staff

2 contract workers

My team and I have been working on Venille for two (2) years.

As an underprivileged women-focused entity, inclusivity and diversity are integral to our work at Venille. Our leadership team includes members from diverse backgrounds, and we are committed to further enhancing our diversity and equity efforts. Our current team comprises individuals of different genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity.

We actively seek to diversify our team by reaching out to local communities, educational institutions, and organizations that promote diversity and equity. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences are essential to the success of our mission to address period poverty and environmental sustainability.

To ensure that diversity and equity are ingrained in our organization's culture, we have established the following goals and actions:

1. Recruitment: We are actively seeking to recruit team members from underrepresented groups and communities, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles. This is predominantly women and girls from our local regions. 

2. Training and Sensitization: We provide ongoing training to our team members to promote inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. This includes addressing unconscious biases and fostering a culture of respect and equity.

3. Community Engagement: We engage with the communities we serve, involving them in decision-making processes, gathering their input, and actively listening to their needs and preferences.

4. Inclusive Product Development: We ensure that our product design and development take into account the diverse needs and preferences of our users. This includes considering variations in body types, cultural practices, and environmental conditions.

5. Accessibility: We are committed to making our products and educational materials accessible to individuals with disabilities and those from marginalized communities.

6. Partnerships: We seek partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to further enhance our impact and outreach.

Our business model at Venille is grounded in a straightforward yet impactful concept: we generate revenue from the sale of our biodegradable sanitary pads, while simultaneously delivering substantial value to our target population and the environment.

In terms of value, our proposition extends far beyond a mere transaction. We provide a vital alternative to local women and girls, offering them a sanitary pad that is not only affordable but also hygienic. This means we play a crucial role in preventing the use of unsanitary materials like rags and tissues, thereby mitigating the risk of sexual and reproductive health complications.

Furthermore, we empower women and girls to actively participate in their daily activities, such as attending school and work, during their periods. This capability significantly enhances their overall well-being and mental health. Without access to our eco-friendly sanitary pads, many of these individuals would be compelled to remain at home during menstruation, limiting their opportunities and contributing to a sense of disempowerment.

Our business model also embraces a broader societal perspective. We engage in sustainable practices by sourcing our primary raw material, banana stems, from local farmers. In doing so, we not only support these farmers but also contribute to boosting the local economy. Our commitment to providing employment opportunities not only extends to women involved in the manufacturing process but also to these local banana farmers.

As Venille continues to grow, our mission is to employ more individuals from the region, contributing to alleviating the pressing issue of low employment rates in our community.

Perhaps most notably, our business model underlines our dedication to environmental sustainability. We offer women and the broader global community an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic-laden sanitary pads. By using biodegradable materials and emphasizing sustainability in our production processes, we play a pivotal role in addressing the environmental crisis associated with plastic waste. This effort is not just about improving women's lives; it's about safeguarding our planet for future generations.

Venille's financial sustainability hinges on a multi-faceted approach, rooted in our status as a for-profit social enterprise with a dual commitment to economic viability and social impact.

The primary source of our revenue is derived from the sales of our innovative sanitary pads. This core product addresses the pressing issues of period poverty and environmental pollution, offering a sustainable, accessible, and eco-friendly alternative. Through the sale of these pads, we not only generate income but also foster social impact by empowering women and girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity.

In addition to our product sales, we are actively exploring various income streams. One of our strategies involves forming partnerships with governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support our social impact initiatives. These initiatives include educational programs aimed at enhancing menstrual hygiene, feminine and reproductive health awareness, and environmental consciousness among women and girls. By engaging in these partnerships, we can secure the necessary funding to carry out these essential social projects, which are integral to our mission.

In the long term, we envision further diversification in our income streams. We plan to expand into new markets, broadening our reach to impact more women and girls globally. This expansion will not only contribute to our financial sustainability but also align with our mission to address period poverty and reduce plastic waste on a broader scale. Furthermore, we intend to introduce additional care products, such as wipes and tissues, which complement our existing line of eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products. This strategic diversification will not only boost our income but also, most crucially, enhance our impact on women's and girls' sexual and reproductive health.

By strategically balancing the revenue generated from product sales with income obtained through partnerships and expansion into new markets, we are committed to ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. This multifaceted approach enables us to cover our expected expenses while simultaneously achieving a more extensive and lasting impact on the communities we serve.