The launch event held on May 28, 2025 coincided with International Menstrual Hygiene Day, an appropriate occasion for unveiling the ReproCollective platform as significant step toward addressing menstrual health challenges in Rwanda.
SAYE Company Ltd, founded in 2017, has a proven track record of educating and supporting over 10,000 adolescent girls. Their focus on preventing teenage pregnancies and providing reproductive health education, particularly around menstruation, underscores their commitment to empowering young women.
Faced with persistent issues such as the unaffordability of menstrual hygiene products and the societal stigma surrounding their purchase, SAYE Company Ltd partnered with Tamu Pads to launch ReproCollective. A digital platform which turns businesses and individuals into local philanthropists to alleviate these challenges.
CEO of SAYE Company Ltd, Umuhoza Amina, highlighted the urgency of addressing the growing problem of menstrual hygiene product shortages, especially among financially disadvantaged girls. She stated:
“We realized that addressing menstrual health challenges requires collective effort. It cannot be solved by one entity, it demands contributions from our broader society."
Amina further explained: "While the government, NGOs, and private companies have implemented solutions, the probem persists. That’s why ReproCollective was created to enable comprehensive collaboration among organizations and individuals for impactful solutions."
She emphasized the importance of businesses in driving societal transformation through initiatives that promote menstrual health, encouraging their active involvement in the platform.
The transparent operations of ReproCollective will showcase contributions and their utilization through regular reports. The fund allocation includes:
- 50% dedicated to Tamu Sanitary Pads for distribution.
- 35% allocated for educational and training programs.
- 15% set aside for operational support and advocacy.
Access to the platform and further information about contributing can be found at www.reprocollective.org.
Highlighting the partnership, Umuhoza Amina commended Tamu Pads for blending affordability with exceptional quality, making sustainability and accessibility core to their mission.
Innovos CEO, Uwineza Liliane, whose company produces Tamu Pads, elaborated on the partnership's dual goals: improving menstrual health and promoting Rwanda-made products.
She said: "Tamu Pads are designed for convenience, absorbency, and elegant packaging. This eliminates embarrassment for both users and buyers, regardless of gender."
Addressing environmental concerns, Liliane revealed the eco-friendly nature of Tamu Pads. She stated:
“Made by Rwandans, mostly women, these pads utilize paper packaging to reduce plastic waste, showcasing our commitment to sustainability.”
She added: "Compact and highly absorbent, Tamu Pads are tailored to allow girls to remain active and confident during their menstrual cycles, whether studying, playing, or working."
The discreet packaging of Tamu Pads establishes them as a stigma free choice for purchasers.
Produced in Bugesera, these pads are available at an affordable price of 800 Rwandan Francs per unit. Liliane also acknowledged government backing, citing support from institutions like Minicom, RDB, RSB, and organizations such as BPN that empower entrepreneurs to enhance their operations. She encouraged major retailers to connect for bulk purchases of Tamu Pads.
In conclusion, SAYE Company Ltd and Tamu Pads call on businesses and individuals to uphold their corporate social responsibility by supporting the ReproCollective platform. Together, they aim to establish a society where no girl has to struggle for access to menstrual hygiene products.
CEO of SAYE Company Ltd, Umuhoza Amina, explained the platform’s purpose in addressing the increasing shortage of menstrual hygiene products.
Innovos CEO, Uwineza Liliane, discussed Tamu Pads, emphasizing quality, eco-friendliness, and local production standards.
Uwineza Liliane highlighted Tamu Pads’ unique qualities and benefits to attendees.
Attendees explored and reviewed Tamu Pads during the event.