LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-As part of efforts to empower women in small communities, Pad-Up Creations Limited, manufacturers of reusable Pad-Up sanitary pads, baby diapers and undergarments, says it has in the last three years empowered over 3,000 young girls and women in Nigerian communities.
According to the company, it achieves this through its innovative Micro Sales Agents programme.
Under this initiative, women are equipped with starter kits worth ₦55,000 without the need to pay upfront enabling them to start their own small-scale businesses selling Pad-Up’s reusable sanitary pads, baby diapers, and other products within their neighbourhoods.
“With the micro sales agents, we are empowering girls and women because we realized that many women, due to the economic situation in Nigeria, cannot even afford to support their families,” “We thought of what we can do on our own to contribute to the economic empowerment of young girls and women,” says CEO of Pad-Up Creations Limited, Mrs. Olivia Onyemaobi.
The model is simple yet impactful
According to her, women and young girls receive the kits on credit, sell the products within their communities, remit payments to Pad-Up, and keep the profit margin.
“Once they build trust through consistent sales and remittance, they receive more products, helping them grow their business and income steadily.
“But beyond boosting household incomes, the Micro Sales Agents programme tackles a broader social need like access to affordable hygiene products for women and girls in remote and underserved areas.
READ ALSO:Soludo’s Wife Unveils ‘Pad Bank’ Initiative To Support Menstrual Health
“The truth is, it’s not just about economic empowerment. There are communities where girls are struggling to access basic sanitary products. We use these women to bring our products closer to them,” Mrs Onyemaobi explains.
She hinted that in places like internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, the demand for affordable, reusable diapers and sanitary pads is high.
According to Mrs Onyemaobi, Pad-Up’s has come up with an approach to ensure that even women in IDP camps have the opportunity to run small businesses supplying these essential products, creating a cycle of empowerment and improved hygiene.
“The last time I went into one of the IDPs camps, they were bringing out their money to buy reusable baby diapers and they were asking when next we will come in. Who says they don’t want comfort or cleanliness.
“These are people that we actually want to empower. So imagine that we are able to give a woman there a starter kit and she can be selling to those women instead of them waiting for when we will come the next time,” Mrs Onyemaobi said.
Transforming Lives Against All Odds
Saying the programme has also become a lifeline for women in difficult circumstances, Mrs. Onyemaobi recalls a woman trapped in a violent marriage whose husband forbade her from working.
“Through the Micro Sales Agents programme, she was able to discreetly run a business from home, gain financial independence, and support herself despite her restrictive situation.
“She’s not alone. Many women, especially in Northern Nigeria, are silently battling financial dependency due to marital or cultural constraints. This programme gives them a chance to stand on their own feet,” Mrs. Onyemaobi says.
Empowering Beyond Nigeria
Building on its success at home, Pad-Up Creations Limited noted that it extended the programme to Ghana in February 2025 where at the Prampram Technical Institute, the company trained women and girls on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and business management.
“Additionally, 1,500 sanitary pads were donated free to schoolgirls to promote menstrual health awareness.
READ ALSO:Over 133 Females Suffered Gender-Based Violence Deaths In 2024– DOHS Reports
“In all, over 1,000 starter kits worth over ₦55 million have been distributed on credit to women to kickstart their businesses,” she added.
Training Beyond Business
The CEO said Pad-Up’s support doesn’t stop at product supply adding that each woman is also trained in three key areas including character, capacity, and capital.
“They learn integrity in handling customers’ money, skills to manage and grow demand for products, and financial discipline to reinvest profits instead of spending all earnings on daily needs.
“While some agents default on payments or misuse the opportunity, many have succeeded spectacularly some earning as much as ₦600,000 in turnover from humble beginnings.
“It’s not perfect. Some people fail, but we focus on those who succeed. When we see their success stories, it pushes us to keep going,” Mrs. Onyemaobi adds.
Looking Ahead
Concluding she said through the Micro Sales Agents initiative, Pad-Up Creations Limited is demonstrating that sustainable business can go hand in hand with social impact.
“As the company continues to expand across Nigeria and beyond, it remains committed to its core mission of empowering women, promoting menstrual health, and ensuring access to affordable, reusable hygiene products for every community,” she said.
