Winner OF 2022
EcoBana
University:
- St. Paul’s University
Country:Kenya
Industry:
- Healthcare Technology
Supports these SDGs:
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Left to Right: Dullah Shiltone, Lennox Omondi, Brian Ndung’u & Hult Prize CEO, Lori van Dam at Hult Prize 2022 Global Finals
Biodegradable sanitary products from banana fibers
Established to address period poverty and promote gender equality, EcoBana produces biodegradable and eco-friendly hygienic sanitary pads from banana fibers in Kenya, where 65% of women and girls lack access to essential hygiene.
The company not only empowers women and girls to avoid missing school or entering exploitative situations for sanitary products but employs and trains local women in production and management, enhancing their financial independence. EcoBana runs workshops and educational campaigns on environmental sustainability and women's health, underpinning its commitment to lasting societal change through education.
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Impact
Through innovative biodegradable sanitary pads and grassroots partnerships, this social enterprise empowers women, fosters education, and promotes sustainable livelihoods. Their initiative, One Pad, One Girl, delivers affordable menstrual hygiene products to schools across Kenya. Now approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards, EcoBana’s pads are distributed through NGOs, embassies, banks, and corporate social responsibility programs, extending their impact nationwide.
500+
jobs created for women
1K+
reached through educational programs
80K
eco-friendly pads produced daily
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I believe there should be no barriers to young women achieving their dreams. We have to remove the dilemma of affording period products or food, or between going to school and not. I wanted to change that.
Lennox Omondi
Founder & CEO