Image: Allgreen Ivy Limited biodegradable sanitary pads

Interviewer: Your product is reshaping sustainable menstrual care in Nigeria. What inspired its creation, and what was the journey like from concept to reality?

Lydia: The inspiration for our biodegradable sanitary pads came from my personal experience and a deep desire to create change. Growing up, I faced challenges in accessing affordable menstrual products, and this struggle stayed with me as I pursued my degree in agriculture. During my outreach work in rural communities, I saw firsthand how period poverty affects women and girls—leading to missed school days, lost income opportunities, and social stigma. I could relate to their struggles, and it fueled my passion to find a sustainable solution.

The turning point came when I realized the untapped potential of agricultural waste. Working closely with farmers, I discovered that materials like banana stems and maize husks, often discarded as waste, could be transformed into absorbent and eco-friendly menstrual products. This insight led to the creation of Allgreen Ivy Limited, where we not only provide women with sustainable menstrual products but also empower local farmers by creating additional income streams.

The journey hasn’t been easy—prototyping, sourcing eco-friendly materials, and building trust in the community required resilience and innovation. However, seeing the positive impact on women’s lives and the environment keeps me motivated. Today, our biodegradable pads are more than a product; they are a movement to restore dignity, support livelihoods, and promote sustainability.

Image: harvesting agricultural waste like banana stems and maize husks,

Interviewer: Biodegradable menstrual products offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional disposable pads. But how do they measure up in terms of affordability, durability, and accessibility, particularly for low-income women and girls?

Lydia: Our biodegradable pads are designed to be both affordable and durable, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional disposable pads. While traditional pads contribute to long-term environmental waste and often come with recurring costs, our pads decompose naturally and provide a cost-saving solution over time. For low-income women and girls, accessibility is key, and we work closely with community groups, NGOs, and government initiatives to distribute our products at subsidized rates, ensuring they reach those who need them most. This initiative not only addresses financial barriers but also promotes menstrual health and dignity.

Image: Allgreen Ivy Limited biodegradable sanitary pads

Interviewer: Your use of agricultural waste to create recyclable menstrual products presents an innovative solution to both period poverty and environmental sustainability. How significant is its impact, and what challenges remain in scaling adoption?

Lydia: By transforming agricultural by-products such as banana stems and maize husks into biodegradable pads, we tackle two major issues at once—period poverty and environmental sustainability. Our process provides additional income streams for local farmers while reducing waste that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation. For the end users, our pads offer an eco-friendly solution that supports their health and well-being, empowering them to participate fully in education and economic activities without the worry of menstrual hygiene challenges.

Image: Lydia Thompson

Interviewer: Many women entrepreneurs face gender-related barriers when launching businesses. What specific challenges have you encountered in advancing gender equality through your work, and how have you navigated them?

Lydia: One major challenge has been overcoming societal taboos surrounding menstruation, which often hinder open conversations and acceptance of alternative products. Additionally, sourcing eco-friendly materials locally and building trust within communities required significant effort and education. We tackled these challenges by conducting awareness campaigns, partnering with local influencers, and leveraging social media to create a supportive dialogue around menstrual health. Access to funding has also been a hurdle, but through persistence, strategic partnerships, and programs like GCIP, we’ve been able to scale our impact gradually.

Interviewer: Since joining the GCIP program, have you been able to scale production or improve distribution? What key strategies or innovations have helped expand your reach?

Lydia: The program has provided invaluable networking opportunities that have opened doors to new markets. Engaging with fellow participants has allowed us to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and gain insights into more efficient distribution strategies. Additionally, the mentorship provided has given us practical guidance on refining our business model and identifying areas for growth. The tailored training sessions offered by GCIP, specifically designed for climate startups and SMEs, have been particularly beneficial, equipping us with the specialized knowledge and tools we needed—something we rarely find in more generic programs.

Interviewer: Has your involvement in GCIP opened up new market opportunities or partnerships that have allowed you to connect with more communities across Nigeria? If so, how?

Lydia: Yes, through GCIP, we’ve connected with a diverse network of entrepreneurs and stakeholders who have helped us explore new market opportunities. These connections have provided insights into expanding our distribution channels and reaching underserved communities more effectively. The tailored training programs have played a crucial role in helping us navigate the unique challenges of operating a climate-focused enterprise, ensuring that our approach remains sustainable and impactful. The mentorship we’ve received has also been instrumental in shaping our strategic approach, allowing us to better align our business with market demands and sustainability goals.

Interviewer: Despite systemic barriers, funding constraints, and societal biases, you continue to push forward. What drives your resilience—internal convictions, external support, or a combination of both?

Lydia: My deep commitment to creating a positive social impact drives me every day. I firmly believe that no woman or girl should have to choose between their education or livelihood and their menstrual health. Seeing the tangible impact of our work—girls staying in school, women gaining confidence, and farmers benefiting from additional income streams—fuels my passion to push forward despite challenges. Additionally, the support from mentors, partners, and the communities we serve has reinforced my belief that meaningful change is possible, and that keeps me motivated to continue growing our impact.

Get to know our interviewee 

Entrepreneur: Lydia Thompson

Company Name: Allgreen Ivy Limited 

Lydia Thompson, who holds a BSc in Agriculture and has over a decade of experience in agricultural waste recycling. Allgreen Ivy Limited addresses menstrual hygiene challenges by offering eco-friendly, biodegradable sanitary pads. These pads decompose quickly, reducing environmental impact, and are designed for comfort and reliability. The initiative aims to combat period poverty in Nigeria, where millions of women and girls lack access to affordable menstrual products, by providing sustainable and high-quality alternatives.