Pads For Her

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 Thank you for the beautiful memories we made together in 2021. Our 2022 Impact story series are back and we are excited!!! 

We kickstart with the selfless Bernadette Ojao.

Bernadette Ojao is the founder of Pads for Her, a  project set up to improve the menstrual hygiene of girls and women in vulnerable communities through the cheap and comfortable Wabibi Pad.


What inspired you to start Pads for Her?

I  grew up in a dysfunctional home where items like sanitary pads were out of my reach, when my menstrual periods knocked in, I did not go to school, I opted to stay at home until my cycle was compleète, improvising with pieces of cloth, Bernadette adds.

As time evolved, I heard stories of girls that reminded me of my younger self. These were girls that missed going to school too, including women who were using unhygienic old clothes. I felt so much connected to their stories and I wanted to do something for them.

Walk us through the journey?

I have a great friend, Nakabira Yvonne, she gave me a sewing machine before traveling to Canada, at that time I was jobless. I did not know what I was going to use it for, I could hardly operate it, I was only sure of my sewing skill. 

What pushed you to begin sewing?

My husband's words " imagine she returns and you are still the same" kept re-echoing in my ears.
I had to get my hands busy, I thought of attending fashion school but I could barely afford the fees, So I learned from Youtube, I could at least get some data bundles. I got together with a few friends, shared the skill and we began our product, the Wabibi Pad, under the Pads for Her project.


What Impact has Pads for Her had in the lives of young girls and women?

Pads for Her has distributed over 50.000 pads and trained over 1000 women and girls in refugee and slum settlements to tailor-make their reusable sanitary pads.


What was your biggest fear as a young girl in her periods?

 Staining my uniform and being embarrassed in front of my classmates.

What challenges have you faced in producing the Wabibi Pad?

The cotton material we use is quite expensive since it is imported into the country.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction being a social entrepreneur? 

I am happy seeing the women and men we employ have decent work to do. Also, some girls are not missing school anymore because we are providing them with free sanitary pads.


  Has your work received any recognition?

Pads for Her was a 2021 recipient of the 12 Days of Christmas initiative by Airtel Uganda. The drive gives back to individuals and organizations that are making a visible impact in communities.

 We received a panty-making machine and other materials to enable us to complete our menstrual starter pack.


Where do you envision Pads for Her in the coming years?

I see Pads for Her Africa break borders into the whole of Africa, with countless branches supplying cheap menstrual wear. Also, we shall have mini production factories in every home, so that more people especially women can sew the pads.


What message do you have to the Bernadette's of our time?

Great things take time to build, trust God and his word, never give up.

Find out more on: Facebook|Instagram and wabibipadsugandalimited@gmail.com.


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