My personal mission is paving menstrual freedom for girls and women in Africa.
Blandine Umuziranenge - Founder of Kosmotive
2024 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Finalist, Sub-Saharan Africa Region
Blandine Umuziranenge is the founder & CEO of Kosmotive, a social enterprise established in 2014 with the mission of improving reproductive, maternal, and child health in Rwanda and across Africa. Her personal mission, inspired by her own experiences, is to pave the way for menstrual freedom for girls and women throughout the continent.
Kosmotive’s Mission
Kosmotive tackles the pervasive issues surrounding menstrual health by providing access to essential health information through its eHealth platform and helpline, and by manufacturing and distributing women’s hygiene products. The enterprise not only addresses the stigma surrounding menstruation but also empowers women economically. By involving women in the production and sale of reusable sanitary pads, Kosmotive fosters a sense of pride and power among its beneficiaries.
Commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Kosmotive contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Kosmotive has improved menstrual health for over 250,000 women and girls through the distribution of KosmoPads, reusable sanitary pads that are eco-friendly, breathable, non-toxic, and absorbent (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being). These pads, which last for two years and cost only $5, represent an 88% savings over disposable pads. Additionally, the enterprise has created 32 full-time jobs and 15 contract positions for young women, promoting economic growth and stability (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Kosmotive ensures that girls do not miss school due to their periods by providing affordable menstrual pads, thereby supporting their continued education (SDG 4: Quality Education). In line with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Kosmotive produces its pads with non-toxic materials and recycles them after use, setting an example in sustainable production practices. Moreover, Kosmotive contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by preventing the pollution of millions of disposable pads, equivalent to the pollution from 400 million plastic bags, through the production of reusable sanitary pads.
Comprehensive Approach to Menstrual Health and Empowerment
Kosmotive’s approach includes publishing Cosmos Magazine, running the KosmoHealth platform, offering the KosmoWearables collection of maternity and nursing wear, and distributing KosmoPads which are reusable sanitary pads. This holistic strategy promotes menstrual health and hygiene, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Dedication to a Positive Workplace Culture
With a management team of 71% women, Kosmotive is dedicated to fostering a healthy and motivating work environment. Their policies against harassment, coupled with initiatives for team building and personal development, ensure a positive workplace culture.
Kosmotive is a movement towards menstrual freedom and empowerment for girls and women in Africa. Through innovative products and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Blandine Umuziranenge is transforming women’s lives.
Through our production process, as girls and women break the silence about menstruation and benefit financially from making and selling pads, they will come to see their periods as a source of pride and power.
By Grace Reiter, WE Empower Intern