Introduction

The Tanzania Entrepreneurship Foundation (TEF), a registered non-profit (Reg. No. OONGO/R/1723), is proud to collaborate with Sustainable World Corporation (SWC)-Sweden on the Spacerpad Project, an innovative initiative to advance dignified menstrual hygiene for women in resource-scarce environments. Spacerpad is a high-tech, reusable sanitary pad. It addresses the critical need for sustainable hygiene solutions. It empowers women to maintain dignity. It also fosters economic opportunities through entrepreneurship. This project aligns with TEF’s mission seamlessly. It aims to cultivate a community-led movement. This movement advances income-generating activities, entrepreneurship rights, and environmental conservation. It does so through education, advocacy, and strategic collaboration.

TEF launched the Spacerpad Project as part of its commitment to women’s empowerment. The project leverages TEF’s extensive network of community programs and partnerships. It delivers transformative solutions in Tanzania. The project addresses menstrual hygiene, which is a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of women’s health. By reinforcing TEF’s dedication, it equips individuals with the tools they need. These tools and frameworks help them excel in their economic and social endeavors. It also promotes sustainable practices that benefit both communities and the environment.

The Innovation

Spacerpad represents a groundbreaking advancement in menstrual hygiene technology. It was developed by SWC-Sweden to meet the needs of women. They focus on regions with limited access to modern washing facilities. Unlike traditional sanitary pads that rely on fiber absorption or disposable super-absorbents, Spacerpad utilizes a patented 3D encapsulation technology. Menstrual fluid is stored in small cavities between hydrophobic filaments, secured by a barrier that prevents leakage. This innovative design delivers several key benefits:

• High Capacity: Spacerpad quickly receives, distributes, and holds a large volume of liquid without re-wetting, ensuring comfort and reliability.
• Lightweight and Comfortable: The 3D materials create an airy, soft product that enhances user comfort.
• Easy to Clean: Spacerpad requires only a small amount of water and soap. It releases menstrual fluid easily. This makes it practical in water-scarce settings.
• Quick-Drying: Low-viscosity water exits the cavities rapidly, and residual water can be pressed out manually, ensuring hygiene during reuse.
• Durable: Spacerpad is designed to last several years. It reduces the need for frequent replacements. Only 2-4 pads are sufficient for a menstrual cycle.

These qualities make Spacerpad a hygienic, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution. It reduces waste compared to disposable pads. It empowers women to manage their hygiene with dignity.

TEF’s Role in Tanzania

TEF plays a pivotal role in bringing Spacerpad to Tanzanian communities. This is especially true in Morogoro, where its headquarters is located. TEF also reaches out through its branches in Dar es Salaam, Mafia, Moshi, Dodoma, and Tanga. As a local partner, TEF facilitates the production of Spacerpad. It handles its distribution. It also encourages adoption through its established programs for women’s groups, youth, and farmers. TEF’s contributions include:

• Training Women Entrepreneurs: TEF conducts workshops to train women in Morogoro and other regions. They learn to produce Spacerpad “diamonds” (incomplete kits provided by SWC). The women also distribute finished pads. These trainings equip women with entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to generate income while addressing community needs.
• Local Production: TEF supports the setup of small-scale production units. They use SWC’s patented heat-press machines. These machines join materials through pressure and heat. By fostering local manufacturing, TEF creates job opportunities and ensures Spacerpad’s accessibility in rural areas.
• Community Education: TEF runs programs for secondary schools, universities, colleges, and community groups. These programs integrate menstrual hygiene education. They also raise awareness about Spacerpad’s benefits. TEF’s Okoa FM radio show (106.3) further amplifies this message, featuring discussions on hygiene, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment to foster a culture of dignity and innovation.
• Distribution Networks: TEF leverages its network of small investment groups, women’s groups, and farmers’ collectives to distribute Spacerpad. This ensures Spacerpad reaches women in underserved areas.

TEF embeds Spacerpad within its entrepreneurial ecosystem. This empowers women to take ownership of their economic and health outcomes. It aligns with TEF’s mission to provide tools and frameworks for sustainable success.

Partnership with Sustainable World Corporation

The Spacerpad Project exemplifies TEF’s strategic partnership with Sustainable World Corporation (SWC)-Sweden, a leader in sustainable innovation. SWC’s expertise in developing Spacerpad’s technology and scalable production systems complements TEF’s grassroots networks and community engagement in Tanzania. This collaboration is formalized as part of TEF’s broader partnerships with Global Food Gardening International (GFG)-Switzerland. These efforts underscore TEF’s commitment to leveraging global expertise for local impact.

SWC provides TEF with Spacerpad “diamonds” and technical support for local production. This support enables TEF to finalize and distribute pads tailored to Tanzanian needs. The partnership extends beyond product delivery, fostering close communication to ensure effective distribution and adoption. TEF works with SWC. Through this collaboration, TEF joins partners in India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. This network contributes to a shared vision of dignified menstrual hygiene worldwide. This collaboration highlights TEF’s capacity to manage high-impact projects, reinforcing its credibility with international stakeholders.

Business Models and Impact

To ensure Spacerpad’s accessibility, TEF and SWC employ innovative business models that align with TEF’s entrepreneurial focus:

• Spacerpad It Forward (SPIF): A “buy one, give one” model. Micro-retailers sell 10 pads to subsidize their own kits. This enables women entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. It also helps expand Spacerpad’s reach.
• Spacerpad In Advance (SPIA): A “buy now, pay later” approach. It allows entrepreneurs to distribute pads and repay costs later. This reduces financial barriers.
• Spacerpad In Installments (SPII): Payment in installments makes Spacerpad affordable for low-income women, encouraging long-term investment in sustainable hygiene solutions.

These models empower women to become economic agents, fostering income generation and community resilience. In Morogoro, TEF’s efforts have reached over 500 women (hypothetical estimate). They provide access to Spacerpad. They are also training 50 women entrepreneurs as micro-retailers under the SPIF model. By producing and distributing pads locally, TEF has created 20 jobs in small-scale production units, contributing to economic empowerment. Spacerpad’s reusable design has also reduced environmental waste, aligning with TEF’s commitment to conservation.

Beyond tangible outcomes, the project has transformed social perceptions of menstrual hygiene, empowering women to manage their health with dignity. Through Okoa FM and community workshops, TEF has sparked conversations about hygiene and entrepreneurship. These efforts foster a culture of innovation and self-reliance.

Future Commitment

TEF is dedicated to scaling the Spacerpad Project across Tanzania. It is building on its success in Morogoro. The project is expanding to other regions through its branch network. Under the governance of a Board of Directors chaired by Dr. Luseko Chilagane, TEF aims to train 1,000 women entrepreneurs by 2027. It also plans to establish additional production units. Additionally, the goal is to reach 5,000 women with Spacerpad pads. TEF will integrate Spacerpad into its educational programs and radio outreach. This strategy will advocate for menstrual hygiene. It will serve as a cornerstone of women’s empowerment.

In partnership with SWC, TEF is committed to refining business models and enhancing production efficiency. It also ensures Spacerpad remains accessible to those in greatest need. This project exemplifies TEF’s vision of a community-led movement. Every woman should have the tools to achieve economic independence, health, and dignity. They contribute to a sustainable future for Tanzania.