Growing a business, improving menstrual health in Senegal

In Senegal, Taaru Accessoires produces reusable menstrual pads under its Nopalé brand, combining entrepreneurship with a strong social purpose. To meet growing demand and make its products accessible to more women and girls, the company needed to strengthen its production capacity. Together with PUM expert Chris Vijt, Taaru explored opportunities for growth. A subsequent grant from PUM’s Hans Blankert Fund enabled them to turn their plans into action.

Taaru Accessoires, led by entrepreneur Ndeye Aissa Diagne, develops and sells reusable menstrual products in Senegal. Through its Nopalé brand, the company offers an affordable and more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable sanitary products. Beyond selling products, Taaru aims to improve access to menstrual protection, particularly for women and girls who face financial barriers. One of its initiatives is a solidarity-based group purchasing scheme, allowing women to buy reusable menstrual products collectively and spread the costs.

As demand grew, however, the company faced several challenges. Production needed to become more efficient and consistent, product finishing could be improved, and limited financial resources made it difficult to accept larger orders.

From advice to investment

In early 2026, PUM expert Chris Vijt visited Taaru Accessoires to work with the team on improving production processes and preparing the business for further growth. Together, they identified practical steps to improve product quality, organise production more efficiently and increase capacity.

Chris explains: “Taaru has a product with strong commercial and social potential. The challenge was to organise production in a way that would allow the business to grow while maintaining consistent quality.”

Following the project, Chris recommended financial support through PUM’s Hans Blankert Fund (HBF). The fund provides grants to entrepreneurs who have collaborated with PUM, co-financing practical investments that strengthen their businesses. With the grant, Taaru purchased five machines, additional production supplies, and invested in raw materials. These investments provided the company with a stronger foundation for growth.

Impact beyond business

With additional equipment and materials, Taaru is better prepared to meet growing demand and take on larger orders. The company has also strengthened its commercial approach, developing new catalogues for business customers, NGOs and institutional partners. Taaru now reaches customers through schools, associations, online sales, resellers, group purchasing schemes and local fairs. It is also exploring new partnerships to make its products more widely available.

Chris adds: “The impact goes beyond business development. By strengthening local production, Taaru creates more economic opportunities for the women it employs, contributing to their financial independence. Making reusable menstrual products more accessible can also reduce school absenteeism among girls and enable them to participate more fully in education and everyday life. At the same time, reusable products offer an alternative to disposable sanitary pads, reducing waste and encouraging more responsible consumption.”

With stronger production capacity and new commercial opportunities, Taaru is building a more sustainable business while creating positive change for women and girls in Senegal.