Driven by an activist heart and firsthand exposure to the harsh realities of period poverty where schoolgirls are forced to exchange sex for pads for less than 1 Euro, unsafe alternatives, inferior quality of locally available sanitary pads to health issues caused by conventional pads. Mary was driven to design a better solution. For her, design is activism and through Nyungu Afrika she is pioneering a circular economy solution by transforming abundant agricultural waste of pineapple leaves and maize husks into a patent-pending biodegradable, tree-free pulp made to make safe eco-friendly sanitary pads. This innovative approach aims to urgently tackle the humanitarian crisis of period poverty and mitigate the sever,e harmful impact of conventional disposable pads which are mostly imported on women’s health and the environment. Recognized as Africa’s Best Female Entrepreneur by Total Energies, Mary is a powerful voice demanding dignity, gender equality, and a truly circular, sustainable future speaking truth to power from grassroots to global stages. Beyond her groundbreaking work with Nyungu Afrika, Mary is also dedicated to empowering future generations of female entrepreneurs. She serves as a pan-African entrepreneurship and pitching trainer, equipping them with the confidence and skills to articulate their visions, effectively sell their ideas, and realize their full potential.
Mary Nyaruai Muriithi is a keynote speaker at WDCD festival’s The Celebration programme on 6 June at Pakhuis de Zwijger.