We recently connected with Bernadette Ojao and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bernadette, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

When I was growing up, menstruation was not just a monthly inconvenience; it was a significant barrier to my education. I vividly remember the days I had to miss school because I couldn’t afford sanitary pads. My family’s financial struggles meant that buying disposable pads every month was simply out of the question.

Instead, I had to resort to using old cloth pieces, which were uncomfortable, unreliable, and often leaked. The fear of embarrassment and stigma associated with leaks made those days even more unbearable. Missing school due to something as natural as menstruation felt unjust, and it fueled my determination to find a solution.

That’s when I started exploring alternatives. I began experimenting with different materials, trying to create a reusable and affordable solution to menstrual hygiene. After numerous trials and errors, I finally developed a design for reusable sanitary pads that were not only effective but also comfortable and discreet.

The impact was immediate. No longer did I have to worry about leaks or miss out on my education because of menstruation. But it wasn’t just about me anymore. I realized that there were countless other girls facing the same challenges I had encountered. Girls who, like me, were forced to choose between their education and their dignity.

Driven by the desire to make a difference, I decided to turn my solution into a mission. I founded Wabibi Pads Limited a company dedicated to providing reusable sanitary pads to girls and women in need, empowering them to manage their menstruation with dignity and without sacrificing their education or health.

For me, this mission is deeply personal. It’s about ensuring that no girl ever has to experience the shame and barriers that I faced during my own adolescence. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality by providing access to menstrual hygiene products that are not only affordable but also sustainable.

Every time I see a girl using one of our reusable pads, I’m reminded of why this mission matters. It’s not just about providing a product; it’s about restoring dignity, promoting education, and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. And that’s why I’m committed to this cause, because I know firsthand the difference it can make in someone’s life.

Bernadette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m the founder of Wabibi Pads Limited, a company dedicated to revolutionizing menstrual hygiene with sustainable solutions. My journey into this industry began with a personal struggle that turned into a passionate mission to make a difference.

Growing up in a community where menstruation was often stigmatized and access to sanitary products was limited, I experienced firsthand the challenges and barriers that menstruating individuals face. My own experiences of missing school due to the lack of affordable and accessible sanitary pads fueled my determination to find a solution.

Driven by the desire to create change, I delved into research and experimentation, eventually developing innovative reusable sanitary pads that are not only effective but also eco-friendly and affordable. This marked the beginning of my journey into the menstrual hygiene industry.

At Wabibi Pads Limited, we provide a range of reusable menstrual products, including pads,period underwear, pads making raw materials, equipements and MHM awareness. Our products are designed to offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional disposable products, addressing both the environmental impact of menstrual waste and the economic barriers to access.

One of the key problems we aim to solve for our clients is the challenge of managing menstruation with dignity and affordability. By providing reusable menstrual products, we empower individuals to take control of their menstrual health without compromising on comfort, convenience, or sustainability.

What sets us apart from others in the industry is our commitment to both social impact and environmental sustainability. Not only do we provide innovative products, but we also actively advocate for menstrual equity and support initiatives to provide access to menstrual hygiene education and resources in underserved communities.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve been able to make in the lives of individuals and communities around the world. Knowing that our products are helping to break down barriers to education, improve health outcomes, and promote environmental sustainability fills me with immense pride and motivation.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that we’re more than just a menstrual hygiene company. We’re a movement dedicated to empowering individuals, promoting equality, and creating a more sustainable future for all. By supporting Wabibi Pads, they’re not just purchasing products; they’re joining us in our mission to make a positive difference in the world.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

In 2019, when I was piloting Wabibi pads, I faced the challenge of securing the initial capital needed to kickstart my business. However, I refused to let financial constraints deter me from pursuing my vision of revolutionizing menstrual hygiene. Instead, I got creative.

Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, I recognized an opportunity to generate income by selling face masks, which were in high demand for personal protection. Through this endeavor, I was able to accumulate the initial funds necessary to lay the foundation for Wabibi Pads.

But the journey didn’t end there. I was fortunate to receive a significant boost when I won a grant from the Mastercard Foundation through the Innovation Village. This grant provided the essential capital injection needed to scale up my operations and turn my vision into reality.

Furthermore, my dedication and commitment to addressing menstrual hygiene challenges caught the attention of the Young Water Solutions, leading to my acceptance into the Young Water Fellowship. This partnership not only provided access to valuable resources and networks but also offered continuous support through small grants that helped sustain the growth of Wabibi Pads.

While these grants were instrumental in getting Wabibi Pads off the ground, the majority of our capital now comes from the sales of our products and services. By providing high-quality reusable pads and offering training to individuals and NGOs, we’ve been able to generate revenue that fuels our ongoing operations and expansion efforts.

Additionally, being part of the Social Entrepreneurs Forum by Capital Solutions has been invaluable. This platform has not only provided access to business loans that support our projects but also facilitated networking opportunities and mentorship that have been instrumental in our growth journey.

Finally, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of our well-wishers who believe in our mission and generously donate to help us further our cause. Their contributions, big or small, play a significant role in sustaining our operations and allowing us to continue making a positive impact on menstrual hygiene and societal equality.

In essence, the journey of funding Wabibi Pads has been a combination of creativity, resilience, and the invaluable support of various organizations, grants, sales revenue, and generous donors. Together, they have enabled us to not only start but also thrive in our mission to empower individuals and communities through sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media for Wabibi Pads was a journey filled with dedication, authenticity, and a commitment to storytelling. Here’s how we did it, along with some advice for those just starting to build their media presence.

1. Creating Profiles: We started by setting up Instagram and Facebook profiles specifically for Wabibi Pads. These platforms provided us with a space to showcase our mission, products, and impact. We ensured that our profiles reflected our brand identity, with clear and engaging descriptions, logos, and imagery that resonated with our target audience.

2.Consistent Updates: One of the keys to building an audience on social media is consistency. We made it a priority to regularly update our followers on the work we were doing, whether it was distributing pads to communities in need, conducting educational workshops, or participating in events and partnerships. By sharing our activities consistently, we kept our audience engaged and informed about our progress and impact.

3.Visual Storytelling: We leveraged the power of visual storytelling by capturing photos and videos of every activity we were involved in. Whether it was the smiles of girls receiving their first reusable pads or the hands-on training sessions we conducted, we made sure to document these moments and share them on our social media profiles. Visual content not only grabs attention but also helps convey the impact of our work in a compelling way.

4.Authentic Engagement: Building a loyal audience on social media goes beyond just posting content. We actively engaged with our followers by responding to comments, answering questions, and acknowledging their support. By fostering genuine interactions and connections, we built a community of advocates who were passionate about our cause and eager to spread the word.

5.Storytelling with Purpose: We didn’t just share content for the sake of it; we told stories with a purpose. Each post highlighted the importance of menstrual hygiene, the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and the positive impact of our initiatives. By framing our content around meaningful narratives, we not only educated our audience but also inspired them to take action and support our cause.

For those just starting to build their media presence, my advice would be;

1.Know Your Audience: Understand who your target audience is and tailor your content to resonate with them. What are their interests, pain points, and aspirations? Speak directly to their needs and values.

2.Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to building trust and rapport with your audience. Share your journey, your struggles, and your successes openly and honestly. People connect with real stories and experiences.

3.Consistency is Key: Regularly update your social media profiles with fresh and engaging content. Whether it’s daily updates or weekly highlights, staying consistent keeps your audience engaged and invested in your journey.

4.Engage and Listen: Don’t just broadcast your message; actively engage with your audience and listen to their feedback. Respond to comments, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their opinions and experiences.

5.Use Visuals Wisely: Visual content is incredibly powerful on social media. Invest in high-quality photos and videos that capture the essence of your brand and mission. Use visuals to tell compelling stories and evoke emotions.

By following these principles and staying true to your mission, you can effectively build a strong and engaged audience on social media, just like we did with Wabibi Pads.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://wabibipadsug.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/padsforher/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wabibipads/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wabibi-pads-limited/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wabibipads?lang=en

Image Credits
photos taken by Bernadette Ojao