Startup Story
Ann Pads is a social impact business, founded by Hermine Bertolini in Namibia, which addresses the combined challenge of period poverty and menstruation education in the country. Her business manufactures washable sanitary pads, combined with an educational programme approach to helping girls, families and local communities to better understand menstruation.
LoA spoke to the impact focused founder of Ann Pads, Hermine Bertolini, about how she harnesses her extensive experience of manufacturing and mass production to create a practical solution to a very real challenge in her country.
What does your company do?
Manufacturing of washable sanitary pads.
“There is an educational component to my business model, educating learners about the importance of menstruation as well. This is a social entrepreneurship enterprise to help curb a national (international) problem.”
What inspired you to start your company?
Many girls stay out of school because they cannot afford sanitary pads, as well as the lack of availability of pads, especially in the rural areas.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
There is an educational component to my business model, educating learners about the importance of menstruation as well. This is a social entrepreneurship enterprise to help curb a national (international) problem. Also to help the elderly with bladder inconsistencies and to help protect the earth from plastic.
The lack of education is extremely neglected. Extensive primary research was done e.g., questionnaires, interviews, and presentations. According to the results, very important is the fact that talking about menstruation is still a taboo. People don’t regard menstruation as normal human development. The myths are overwhelming.
These aspects inspired me to write a book in comic style, namely Ann’s Journey to Womanhood: a family approach. This book is an educational, informative, colorful, and illustrative book on the different aspects influencing the concept of MENSTRUATION. The three main chapters are:
The family at home.- very important to talk freely at home about menstruation.
The School environment.
The church, culture, and myths.
“The lack of education is extremely neglected. Very important is the fact that talking about menstruation is still a taboo. People don’t regard menstruation as normal human development. The myths are overwhelming.”
Tell us a little about your team
I am the founder of Ann Pads, my name is Hermine Bertolini. By profession I am a human ecologist with a senior teaching diploma and my mission is to address the issue of menstruation with school girls. The rest of the time I am in production to make the sanitary pads. Interesting to note that the team consists of six teenage boys. Menstrual education actually starts with males.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I was also one of the founders of Namibia Tracksuits, a manufacturer of school uniforms for 26 years. Since I was responsible for production, I have the experience of mass production.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Currently we are busy with a campaign: "Keeping our girls in schools". Since Ann Pads is only a manufacturer, we need to convince donors to rather help with washable sanitary pads instead of disposables. The disposable sanitary pads are a very short-term solution.
“Currently we are busy with a campaign: "Keeping our girls in schools". Since Ann Pads is only a manufacturer, we need to convince donors to rather help with washable sanitary pads instead of disposables. The disposable sanitary pads are a very short-term solution.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The fact that we are addressing a serious international social problem.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
You must have a passion for what you are doing, be practical and realistic.
Find out more
FACEBOOK | EMAIL bertolinihe@iway.na
Why LoA loves it…
So many women entrepreneurs are driven to create businesses so they can find solutions to key challenges impacting their local communities or countries. Hermine Bertolini is one of those women entrepreneurs. She recognized that young girls were not able to fulfill their human potential because of period poverty and lack of education around menstruation generally in their communities. Her business is tackling this challenge on a practical level on several fronts. Hermine’s genuine passion for her work and her tireless commitment to positively changing lives is inspirational. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa