Globally, 2.3 billion people live without basic sanitation services, and among them are millions of women and girls who lack access to safe and affordable menstrual products. Period poverty affects an estimated 500 million menstruators worldwide, making it a critical issue, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Nigeria, 37% of women cannot afford menstrual products. This lack of access often means they are unable to attend school or carry out daily activities, perpetuating gender inequality and limiting opportunities for women and girls. Girlified was created to address this pressing social challenge by providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution to period poverty.
Upcycled banana fiber is three times more absorbent than traditional materials.
Unlike plastic-based SAP, which breaks down into harmful microplastics, our banana fibers and natural cotton decompose within six months.
Reducing plastic waste while providing safe and comfortable menstrual hygiene solutions.
Conventional sanitary pads are made up of up to 90% plastic, significantly contributing to environmental pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 11 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans annually. A study by Natracare further reveals that a single 36 kg pack of sanitary pads contains the plastic equivalent of five plastic bags. The widespread use of plastic-based sanitary products worsens pollution, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Conventional sanitary pads are made up of up to 90% plastic, significantly contributing to environmental pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 11 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans annually. A study by Natracare further reveals that a single 36 kg pack of sanitary pads contains the plastic equivalent of five plastic bags. The widespread use of plastic-based sanitary products worsens pollution, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Girlified is an innovative sanitary pad made from a research-backed combination of upcycled banana stem fiber and natural cotton, among other sustainable non-woven fabrics. These materials replace plastic-based Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP), which form the absorbent core of conventional sanitary napkins.
Girlified is one of the pioneers in developing upcycled, plant-based fiber sanitary napkins, not only in Africa but globally. Our product seamlessly integrates cost-effectiveness, improved hygiene, and a drastic reduction in plastic usage. Unlike conventional sanitary pads that rely heavily on SAP—a plastic-based material found in diapers and menstrual products—our pads replace SAP with upcycled banana stem fiber, offering an environmentally friendly and highly absorbent alternative.
Girlified is one of the pioneers in developing upcycled, plant-based fiber sanitary napkins, not only in Africa but globally. Our product seamlessly integrates cost-effectiveness, improved hygiene, and a drastic reduction in plastic usage. Unlike conventional sanitary pads that rely heavily on SAP—a plastic-based material found in diapers and menstrual products—our pads replace SAP with upcycled banana stem fiber, offering an environmentally friendly and highly absorbent alternative.
Our goal is to revolutionize menstrual hygiene by making sustainable sanitary pads accessible to millions of menstruators across Africa and beyond. By offering an eco-friendly and affordable alternative, we are not only improving menstrual health but also championing environmental sustainability.
At Girlified, we believe that no woman or girl should have to choose between their health and the environment. Our work is paving the way for a future where menstrual hygiene is a right, not a privilege, and where sustainability is at the core of every solution.
Economic constraints, cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, and the high cost of plastic-based products have perpetuated these issues. Girlified’s mission is to provide a sustainable, affordable, and biodegradable alternative that empowers women and protects the environment. We are tackling two significant global challenges:
Over 43% of women and girls in Northern Nigeria lack access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, leading to health risks, school absenteeism, and social stigma.
Traditional sanitary napkins, made up of 90% plastic, contribute to millions of tons of waste, harming marine life and ecosystems worldwide.
