• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Zainab Dakik, a Tanzania-born impact entrepreneur on a mission to aiming to reduce the rate of stillbirths

September 13, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Zainab Dakik, co-founder, Maternia (Tanzania)

Startup Story

Zainab Dakik is a Tanzania-born expert on emerging markets, with a particular focus on production and logistics. She is the co-founder of Maternia, an organization led entirely by women aiming to reduce the rate of stillbirths through an innovative low-tech, low-cost medical device. She possesses valuable experience through working in refugee camps, conducting research, and managing distribution channels. At present, she is actively engaging with Maternia's beneficiaries on-site, fostering stronger connections to better understand and address their needs.



LoA spoke to the mission driven Zainab Dakik about her determination to address access to quality healthcare for pregnant women to reduce stillbirths.

What does your company do?

Each stillbirth is of fundamental concern within a woman’s pregnancy. They occur even more frequently when access to adequate health infrastructure is limited. Nearly two million babies are stillborn every year, an average of around four each minute. Maternia brings a solution to this neglected tragedy of stillbirths by producing a low-tech, low-cost, portable fetal monitoring device, which allows pregnant women in low-socioeconomic settings to monitor their fetus’ well-being from home without medical assistance. It is intended for usage in the last stage of pregnancy, from the 28th week onwards, given the serious complications that may occur and the need for closer follow-up and monitoring.

 

“Maternia was founded out of determination to address a women’s health problem that has been completely invisible over time, the lack of access to quality healthcare during one of the riskiest periods of women’s lives: their pregnancy.”

What inspired you to start your company?

Maternia was founded out of determination to address a women’s health problem that has been completely invisible over time, the lack of access to quality healthcare during one of the riskiest periods of women’s lives: their pregnancy. Maternia brings together three topics of greatest interest to the team: inclusive healthcare and inclusive innovation. The project's inception took place in 2021 at Vlerick Business School, where the founders met during their Master's in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Through our start up, we aim to make a tangible impact on the lives of families affected by the tragedy of stillbirths. Our ultimate goal is to improve maternal and child health outcomes by saving lives and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to experience a healthy and safe pregnancy journey.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Maternia’s solution is unprecedented as it can be used without medical knowledge, does not require any additional materials to perform and provides remote predictions without medical infrastructures involved. Current solutions fail to reach those who need them most; they are too expensive, inaccessible, and high-tech, leaving thousands of pregnant women underserved.

Which is why Maternia is offering a solution that meets their current needs. We propose a low-tech, low-cost, portable, and very intuitive fetal monitoring device. This one is accompanied by a user-friendly interface that provides easy to interpret notifications for pregnant women in case of complications. Providing precious time for seeking medical assistance to prevent fetal tragedies.

Whilst our initial target country is Tanzania, the team is confident that our product can be equally impactful in fragile healthcare systems that are experiencing shortages of skilled clinicians and inadequate prenatal care infrastructures. The ultimate goal is to improve maternal and child health outcomes by increasing access to essential prenatal monitoring and prediction tools.

M 1.png
M 2.JPG

“Through our start up, we aim to make a tangible impact on the lives of families affected by the tragedy of stillbirths.”

 

Tell us a little about your team

The team brings together three professionals (three co-founders and two team members) that combine practical experience in low-resource settings, technical know-how and business acumen. Two of them have witnessed the problem first-hand.

Clara Maspons has two and a half years of working experience in International Organisations, where she has been involved in high-impact projects with the UN Women and the World Bank focused on innovation and societal transformation in areas hindered by structural limitations. She is responsible for implementing the organization’s mission, setting its business strategy and direction, and securing investment and external partnerships.

Natalia Villarreal possesses knowledge in data science, AI and machine learning. She is responsible for the development of the initial technology concept and design for Maternia's solution and continues spearheading the design, hardware, and software development and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams of engineers and regulatory experts to meet and exceed technical and regulatory compliance requirements.

Zainab Dakik is in the field strengthening relationships with beneficiaries and customers. She possesses in-depth knowledge of the Tanzanian market, in particular its production and distribution. She also plays a critical role as our primary point of contact with hospitals, utilizing her expertise in sales and relationship management to ensure our product meets the needs of healthcare providers.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

Growing up in Tanzania, my life was deeply influenced by my entrepreneurial family background. In a land of opportunity and limited resources, we learned to make the most out of what we had. Watching those around me innovate and thrive inspired me to dream big and leave a mark on the world.

I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be an entrepreneur, to create something impactful from scratch. The desire to be my own boss and make a difference fueled my ambition from a young age. Then came the turning point – the birth of Maternia. This venture embodied everything I had wanted: a chance to combine entrepreneurship with a profound social impact.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

Maternia was born with a mission - to revolutionize women's healthcare, not limited to Tanzania alone. A shocking 89% of stillbirths worldwide happen in sub-Saharan and Southwest Asian nations. While Tanzania is our initial focus, Maternia is determined to extend its impact across the entire African continent. Our first step is scaling into neighboring countries facing similar healthcare challenges and high stillbirth rates. Then, our vision stretches further, encompassing sub-Saharan Africa.

M 3.JPG
M 7.JPG
 

“Our ultimate goal is to improve maternal and child health outcomes by saving lives and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to experience a healthy and safe pregnancy journey.”

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, there is nothing more fulfilling than the journey of building a business from scratch. Putting in countless hours becomes rewarding when we get to see tangible results and see our vision taking shape. Moreover, the constant market research Maternia undertakes plays a crucial role in our journey.

We recognize that customer needs are always developing, and staying updated on the market is essential to ensure our solution remains relevant and in sync with their requirements. By understanding emerging trends and anticipating their future needs, we can tailor our device to address their pain points effectively. This commitment to continuous improvement not only sustains our competitive edge but also brings us Maternia’s mission of preventing stillbirths even more possible.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

As entrepreneurs, it is essential to take ownership of our decisions and avoid blaming others for any complications or failures. The path of entrepreneurship can be tough and demanding, but true success lies in holding ourselves accountable for the choices we make. Whether our venture thrives or encounters setbacks, assuming responsibility empowers us to learn from our experiences and grow as individuals and business leaders.

Contact or follow Maternia

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL zainab.dakik@materniahealth.com


Why LoA loves it….

There is nothing more inspirational than seeing women entrepreneurs driven by the need to find a solution to a problem impacting people’s lives. In the case of Zainab Dakik, she saw the devastating impact of stillbirth on the lives of pregnant women, and was motivated to find a solution. By bringing a new and innovative approach to addressing current solutions that fail to reach those who need them most because they are expensive and inaccessible, she is helping thousands of pregnant women. Inspirational! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa

In Startup Story Tags Tanzania, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Impact, Health & Wellbeing
← Victoria Mwafulirwa, a Malawian agripreneur empowering local out-growersMatilda Akinsuyi, a Nigerian creative design entrepreneur building an empowering fashion brand →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Hon. Tiguidanké Traoré, a visionary entrepreneur harnessing the power of female leadership to create positive social change
Hon. Tiguidanké Traoré, a visionary entrepreneur harnessing the power of female leadership to create positive social change

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe
The Whisper Way: The Secret Formula for Women Entrepreneurs to Scale and Sell for Life-Changing Money by Carrie Kerpen
The Whisper Way: The Secret Formula for Women Entrepreneurs to Scale and Sell for Life-Changing Money by Carrie Kerpen

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.