Denis Opudo
Shamila Ramjawan conducted a two-year research on menstrual cups which existed since the 1930s. She felt the time is ripe for her to establish a brand into the market. In 2016, she launched the PrincessD menstrual cup. The initiative at first targeted rural dwellers but later she focused on girls and women all over. The unique features of the product are cost-effectiveness, hygienic, suitable solution and eco-friendly. The cup is microwaveable and available in more than 50 pharmacies in South Africa.
She is looking forward to winning a global award from the Women Economic Forum (WEF). The award is under the category of “Iconic Woman Creating a Better World for All”. The event will take place in New Delhi, India on April 29 this year.
Ramjawan is currently 54 years old and her project helps in keeping girl child in school. This initiative gives hope to vulnerable children and women. It supports those who cannot afford the sanitary towels once a month. Being a transformative leader, she believes in the power of change. Besides South Africa, there are NGOs, resellers, and retailers in other countries. Some of the countries include Uganda, Botswana, Namibia, Philippines, Swaziland, Ghana, and Tanzania.
She narrated that her husband died in 1998. The window took the responsibility of raising the family. She worked at manufacturing factory for many years. In 2002, she relocated to Johannesburg on a promotion basis. She acquired relevant knowledge in the marketing and communication department. At the initial phases of her own business development, she had no investor. Caster Semenya, the South African Olympic gold medalist joined the venture later. Semenya is the brand ambassador, investor and the co-owner of menstrual cup initiative.
The business motive is to make a global impact on the lives of girls and women. Governments need more social investment budget on health and hygiene. Ramjawan call is to give hope to the disadvantageous societies across the world. Her Facebook page named launched in 2016 has over 30,000 followers. She also offers training and mentorship for women-based enterprises. Furthermore, she emphasized that business growth need patience and focus.
