When you think of web Summit, the Worlds premier technology conference, you might picture AI startups, fintech innovations, or the latest SaaS platforms. You probably don’t immediately think of menstrual products, but that’s exactly why our presence there mattered.
From February 1-4, our CEO and Founder, Blandine Umuziranenge represented Kosmotive at Web Summit Qatar, sharing our story on one of tech’s biggest global stages. she joined thousands of CEOs, founders, investors, media leaders, politicians, and cultural figureheads who are driving meaningful impact across industries and continents.
So, What Was a Menstrual Health Social Enterprise Doing at a Tech Summit?
Kosmotive is Rwanda’s leading manufacturer of reusable menstrual pads. Our flagship product, KosmoPads, provides women and girls with comfortable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly menstrual care. But we recognize that products aren’t enough to eliminate the persisting period poverty challenge. We also deliver comprehensive menstrual health education through in-person sessions at schools and communities across Rwanda. Back to the money! In Rwanda, 91.2% of females in the working population are engaged in informal employment, and most of them work daily wage jobs, making it difficult to save enough to afford sanitary pads. To address this, we have developed a flexible payment system that allows women to pay for KosmoPads in installments. This system removes the significant barrier of upfront costs, recognizing a simple truth—financial capacity does not stop biological needs. No woman should have to compromise on proper care and hygiene during her period because of economic limitations.
Transforming Women into Agents of Sustainable Change
Our approach to menstrual equity means we reach the women and girls who need support most and help transform them into empowered, responsible agents of their own health and sustainability. By combining quality products, education, and accessible payment options, we give them the power to manage their menstrual health on their own terms, creating lasting change in our communities. We believe that impact-driven innovation belongs on the global stage because technology is not just about apps and algorithms; it is about using smart solutions to address real human needs.
