WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

J&J and SHE Teams with J&J's Worldwide Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs Michael Sneed

Rethinking social change as “profitable good”

in Blog by connie lewin March 15, 2016May 13, 2016

Guest post by Melissa Driver Beard, Executive Director

At the end of an exciting and productive week for SHE Rwanda’s Production Manager, Dany Karemera, I had the pleasure of joining Dany, Elizabeth, and members of the J&J team including Michael Moscherosch, Aimee Sealfon, John Poccia, and Ken Pelley as we presented information about the progress of our partnership to Michael Sneed, Worldwide VP Global Corporate Affairs and Josh Ghiam, J&J Consumer’s Chief Scientific Officer. Michael spoke most specifically to the market landscape and need for menstrual pads, while Aimee addressed changes that can be made to go! pad packaging that will be low-cost, eye-catching, and eco-friendly.

John, Ken, and Dany described the design and functionality of the equipment being built for SHE. They were also able to demonstrate Phase I of the equipment that will significantly increase our ability to produce quality banana fluff for our go! pads, as well as increase our production rates. This will enable us to meet one of our primary goals – providing access to affordable, disposable menstrual pads to 250,000 girls and women by the end of 2017.

Production Manager feeding the fiber into new Phase 1 machinery

Our Production Manager Dany Karemera feeds dry fiber into our new Phase 1 machinery.

As a group, we discussed the overall need for menstrual products in Rwanda and the role that J&J is playing in helping SHE address production related challenges. We also previewed Phase II and III equipment which will further streamline production and increase throughput tenfold! This equipment should be in place in our production facility in Ngoma, Rwanda by the end of 2016.

I’m thankful to be working with this dedicated team and gratified to know that SHE is making a difference in the lives of thousands of girls and women.

NYU Athletics #SHEro Event

in Blog by connie lewin March 8, 2016April 21, 2016

Guest post by NYU soccer goalkeeper Sophie Frank

Sophie Frank (at left) with co-organizer & SHE Marketing Intern Arianna Lauren Strome

I am always empowered by seeing a group of people come together to engage in learning about how they can make a positive impact on the lives of others. The NYU #SHEro event was a prime example of students making sacrifices to partake in an important movement. NYU athletes came together to learn about SHE and the importance of female menstrual protection.

Periods are not always comfortable to talk about or experience but we all came to understand from this event that affording proper protection for girls and women when they have their periods is fundamental to creating a more equitable world. I was shocked to learn that even in the United States women face a luxury tax on pads and the products are not included in SNAP benefits.

The message from SHE resonated deeply with NYU athletes. We were able to share a space together in which we practiced yoga and then developed a deeper awareness of the issue. By awaking our bodies, alongside our minds, we were able to more fully capture the necessity of changing the status quo when it comes to menstrual protection.

In the end we raised $2,350 for SHE! You can still support SHE and our #SHEro campaign today: https://www.classy.org/new-york/events/nyu-shero-event/e70749

Rwanda’s Minister of Education visits SHE in Ngoma

in Blog by connie lewin February 21, 2016April 21, 2016

Guest Post by Dany Karemera, Production Manager

The Ministry of Education is very supportive of SHE’s innovation and production of affordable menstrual pads out of banana fibers and liked that SHE provides our go! pads to girls in schools in order to keep them performing.

On his visit, the Minister of Education in Rwanda, Dr. Musafiri Papias Malimba, appreciated our initiative and our mission in Rwanda of keeping girls in school accompanied by supporting the Rwanda’s economy. Dr. Papias also appreciated the local production of our products and collaboration with the women farmers in rural areas.

He believes that this local collaboration will be among the best system of improving and changing girls and women’s lives. He wishes to increase knowledge of SHE’s efforts so that go! pads can be used in every Rwandan school and demonstrated that he is very supportive of our mission.

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