$300 Popsicle Business - Easy Steps, Hard Steps, and Community Benefit

by Ndeye Soulrymane

In my view, carrying this project distributing sanitary pads to marginalized girls  has both parts that will be easy, and parts that will be very difficult. Identifying which are which helps me plan.

Easiest Steps

One of the easier steps would be partnering with local suppliers. Once I find wholesalers or local factories that produce pads (especially reusable ones), I believe it will be relatively straightforward to negotiate bulk prices or get discounts. Many small businesses and cooperatives want good sales and reliable orders, so they may be willing to work with us. Another easier thing is organizing educational sessions: once I have materials (flyers, posters) and volunteers (teachers, health workers), speaking about menstrual hygiene in schools or community centers is feasible, especially if people already know and trust me. Also, the planning & partnering week (finding local leaders, establishing where pads are needed) is something I feel confident about, because I know many people and can talk with them to figure out needs.

Most Difficult Steps

The hardest steps will likely include distribution logistics (getting pads to remote or rural schools or villages) and follow-up. Transportation in rural areas can be poor; roads may be bad, fuel or transport hire may be expensive; sometimes villages are far, or over rivers or difficult terrain. Ensuring supplies reach the places without damage or cost issues will be hard. Also, follow-up after distribution, revisiting communities a month later, getting honest feedback, making sure reusable pads are being used safely, and that disposal or washing is hygienic can be challenging. Another difficult aspect is cultural stigma: in some families or communities, menstruation is still shameful to speak about. Asking boys, elders, or even some teachers to accept discussions about pads, disposal, health, may require sensitive work. Finally, sustainability of the project is hard: making sure what we do is not just a one-time donation but leads to long-term ability for girls to access pads, maybe local manufacture of reusable pads, or continuous funding.

Who in my community would want this, and how is it useful?

• Who wants this:

◦ Girls in rural schools and peri-urban slum-areas who cannot afford sanitary pads.

◦ Mothers and female guardians who worry about their daughters missing school or getting infections.

◦ School teachers, especially female teachers, who see absenteeism because of menstruation.

◦ Local health centers and women’s groups who want to reduce health problems (infections, rashes).

◦ Community leaders or councils who care about girls’ education and public health.

Usefulness to community:

◦ It helps girls stay in school during their periods, reducing days missed, improving their education outcomes.

◦ It improves health: reduces risk of infections caused by dirty or improvised menstrual materials.

◦ It reduces shame, stigma, and silence about menstruation, helping girls feel they have dignity.

◦ It builds awareness about hygiene and fosters better sanitation practices (safe disposal, washing).

◦ It can empower women and girls to speak up, to lead, to demand better access to basic needs.