Sparśa is a women-led Nepali social business turning agricultural byproducts into fully compostable menstrual pads, addressing poverty, stigma, gender inequality, and plastic pollution. By sourcing banana fibers locally and applying innovative engineering, Sparśa delivers safe, affordable, plastic-free pads while creating dignified green jobs for women. Profits are reinvested into menstrual health education, ensuring lasting community impact. The enterprise integrates user-centered research, quality testing, and market strategies to guarantee comfort, safety, and cultural acceptance. Its Ambassador Program empowers youth and adults to challenge taboos and foster dialogue. Beyond Nepal, Sparśa serves as a pilot for replication in other regions and with diverse fiber plants, sharing open knowledge through global cooperation. By combining innovation, empowerment, and sustainability, Sparśa advances menstrual health and a plastic-free future, with local partnerships already active across the Global South.
