It is our privilege to engage in a one-on-one interview with the remarkable entrepreneur who is making waves in her industry. We have curated a set of interview questions to shed light on Hyacintha's entrepreneurial journey. These questions delve into her motivations, the distinctive features of her product, her endeavors in combating menstrual stigmas, her advocacy efforts, her most notable accomplishments, her perspectives on opportunities in women's health, and her reflections on her journey.

1. Can you share with us the journey of founding Kasole Secrets and your work in menstrual hygiene management?

Certainly. Kasole Secrets was founded out of a deeply personal experience. During my adolescence and university years, I faced significant challenges with menstrual cramps and the poor quality of sanitary pads available. These experiences inspired me to take action to ensure that other girls wouldn't have to endure similar struggles. I started Kasole Secrets to provide high-quality menstrual products and education to women and girls. Along the way, I realized the broader issues surrounding menstrual hygiene, including social stigmas and lack of education. This led me to expand our work into menstrual hygiene management campaigns, advocating for menstrual health as a community agenda rather than just a women and girls' issue.

2. What personal experiences led you to start Kasole Secrets and focus on menstrual hygiene?

My personal experiences with menstrual challenges, including painful cramps and embarrassment due to poor-quality sanitary pads, were the driving force behind starting Kasole Secrets. I wanted to create a solution that would not only address the physical discomfort but also challenge the societal taboos surrounding menstruation. These experiences ignited a passion within me to ensure that other girls and women have access to comfortable, reliable menstrual products and comprehensive education on menstrual hygiene.

3. Could you describe the design of Glory pads and why bamboo was chosen as a primary material?

Glory pads are crafted from a blend of bamboo and cotton. Bamboo was chosen for its exceptional absorbency, odor-minimizing, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. These qualities ensure that women and girls using our products are protected against potential infections and discomfort. Bamboo's natural absorptive and odor-controlling abilities also contribute to the overall comfort of the pads. We prioritize using natural materials and refrain from adding perfumes or chemicals, focusing on providing a healthy and eco-friendly solution for menstrual hygiene.

4. What are some prevalent social stigmas surrounding menstruation in Tanzania, and how does Kasole Secrets address them?

Tanzania, like many other countries, has deep-rooted social stigmas surrounding menstruation. Some examples include beliefs that menstruating women should isolate themselves, refrain from certain activities, or face shame for discussing menstruation openly. Kasole Secrets addresses these stigmas through comprehensive community education programs that aim to dispel misconceptions and foster understanding and acceptance of menstruation as a natural and normal bodily function. We engage with communities to understand the sources of these beliefs and work towards promoting open dialogue and education.

5. In your opinion, what actions should the Tanzanian government take to improve menstrual hygiene management?

I believe the Tanzanian government plays a crucial role in improving menstrual hygiene management. First and foremost, menstrual hygiene and puberty education should be mandated in school curricula and teacher training programs. This would empower educators to teach about these topics confidently and destigmatize menstruation from a young age. Additionally, policymakers and infrastructure developers need education to ensure inclusive policies and facilities that support menstrual health management. Normalizing discussions around menstruation at the governmental level is essential for promoting women's health and empowerment.

6. You mentioned your involvement in national campaigns and advocacy. Can you tell us about some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

Certainly. Activating national campaigns on menstrual hygiene management was met with significant resistance due to cultural norms and taboos surrounding menstruation. Many people believed that menstruation was a private matter and should not be discussed openly. To overcome these challenges, we employed innovative approaches such as translating menstrual hygiene management into Swahili and involving men and boys in education programs. Collaborating with key stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, was also crucial in gaining acceptance and support for our initiatives. Despite the challenges, our perseverance and commitment to education have helped break the silence around menstruation and promote positive change.

7. What accomplishments with Kasole Secrets are you most proud of?

One of our proudest accomplishments with Kasole Secrets is the significant impact we've made in breaking the silence around menstruation and promoting menstrual hygiene as a community agenda. Our campaigns have reached communities across Tanzania, challenging social stigmas and fostering open dialogue about menstruation. We're proud to have collaborated with key stakeholders, including media houses and faith-based organizations, to amplify our message and engage broader audiences. Seeing the positive change and increased awareness surrounding menstrual hygiene management fills us with pride and motivation to continue our work.

8. Reflecting on your journey, what opportunities do you see for women in health across the African continent?

There are numerous opportunities for women in health across the African continent, particularly in areas such as innovation, research, and advocacy. Women have unique insights and experiences that can drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery and policy. Collaboration and partnership among women in the health sector can lead to innovative solutions and interventions that address the specific needs of communities. Empowering women in health not only improves healthcare outcomes but also contributes to broader social and economic development.

9. Who are some women that have inspired you personally and professionally?

Personally, my mother has always been my greatest inspiration. Despite facing challenges, she prioritized education and instilled in me the values of resilience and determination. Professionally, I've always admired Michelle Obama for her leadership and advocacy. Her speeches and actions inspire me to persevere in the face of adversity and to use my platform to empower others. Both women embody strength, resilience, and compassion, qualities that I strive to emulate in my own life and work.

10. If you could go back and change one thing about your entrepreneurial journey, what would it be?

If I could go back, I would prioritize seeking mentors and investing more in personal development earlier in my entrepreneurial journey. Building a strong support network and continuously learning and growing as a leader are essential for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. While I'm proud of what Kasole Secrets has accomplished, I believe that mentorship and personal development could have accelerated our growth and impact even further.