In Mathare, one of the oldest slums in Nairobi, Kenya, 24-year-old Faith founded Upcyclers Creative Hub, transforming textile waste into affordable clothing and reusable sanitary pads while providing employment for 22 women. This community enterprise not only addresses drainage blockages during floods but has also become a beacon of hope for local women to escape violence and achieve economic independence.

Faith's entrepreneurial inspiration came partly from the floods of April to May 2024. When the river burst its banks and floods ravaged the area, she noticed that the river channels were severely clogged with textile waste, worsening drainage. In response, she launched this project in 2025, aiming to mitigate environmental risks by upcycling discarded textiles.

Beyond its environmental significance, the project directly confronts the severe "period poverty" in Mathare. Faith pointed out that some girls, unable to afford sanitary pads costing less than 50 shillings (about 2.7 RMB), are forced into early sexual activity. The cloth sanitary pads she makes, though simple items, serve as a barrier protecting girls' dignity.

Faith herself came from a single-parent family and witnessed her mother being harassed. With support from Plan International's She Leads project, she grew from a shy girl into a community advocate. She particularly emphasizes the importance of economic independence for women's safety: "Women with money in their hands are more likely to make calm decisions; they can have the confidence to leave abusive relationships." Currently, Upcyclers Creative Hub provides stable income for 22 women.

Faith's philosophy is simple and firm: "We must act now, even if afraid, because there is never a perfect time." Her story shows that combining skills transformation in textile waste recycling with community empowerment can not only create green jobs but also serve as a practical path to building a safety net for women and enhancing climate resilience.

Source: Faith in Mathare: turning textile waste into opportunities for women - Plan International Kenya · Originally published on 2026-08-19