Our OD Young Person of the Month is Mehreen Raza from Pakistan. Mehreen Raza has post-graduated from the US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Water, Sanitation, and Health Sciences (Hygiene) discipline.. She also graduated with a B.E in computer systems and then in BSc. Forestry, Wildlife, and Climate change, and earned one gold medal and a silver medal.
Read her amazing story below and be inspired.
MEHREEN RAZA
Mehreen is a climate activist, forrester and entrepreneur who manufactured biodegradable, plastic and chemical-free, healthy, and eco-friendly sanitary napkins in order to contribute to the fight against the menace of climate change by reducing the solid waste and maximum utilization of agro-waste like banana fiber to its best. The idea behind bringing this product was to work and bring a change as a young climate activist and contribute through She-Guard. She runs a campaign with the name “Shaoor: The Enlightenment” to raise awareness among the masses at different levels about Climate Change, Pollution, and Menstrual Hygiene Management and also conduct trainings and workshops to enlighten them about sustainable solutions and their responsibilities to combat climate change.
On How She Started
Mehreen has been working and raising my voice to combat climate change in various demographic settings. The pain point that motivated her to take this initiative was looking at the women who make half of the population of her country but still facing dearth of this very basic right of health. When she was doing my research during post-graduation and visited slum and rural areas, it was a turning point in her life to ignite her motive to make a long-lasting impact in the sector of climate change when she conducted her research on water, sanitation, and hygiene with a special impact on climate change and worked on eco-friendly menstrual hygiene sanitary pads to combat solid waste and climate change. Mehreen has raised funding and worked with various distinguished organizations including with United Nations Population Fund, The Asia Foundation, and International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the French Embassy in Pakistan, UNDP, the Ministry of Climate Change, the School of Leadership Foundation, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. As a Founder and Sustainable Product Manager for her Startup She-Guard, she has played a pivotal role in contributing to the fight against climate change by leading the development and promotion of eco-friendly sanitary pads. Their mission is to reduce the environmental impact of personal hygiene products and empower individuals to make sustainable choices.
On Her Successes
She-Guard has achieved significant impact since its inception. They have trained more than 2000 women, empowering them with knowledge on menstrual hygiene management and providing employment opportunities. Hundreds of customers have embraced their biodegradable sanitary pads. Considering a woman using 12 packs annually, She-Guard has contributed to reducing approximately 1.7 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per user. Extrapolating this impact to millions of women reflects the colossal environmental benefit and signifies the magnitude of positive change catalyzed by She-Guard’s momentum. Their work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3, 5, 6, 8, 12, and 13, showcasing a holistic approach toward fostering women’s health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. She-Guard’s measurable achievements underscore its commitment to creating a lasting and transformative impact on women’s lives and the planet.
On Her Challenges and Future Plans
This trailblazing initiative not only empowers millions of women, particularly in low-income areas, by providing affordable and safe menstrual products but also champions environmental sustainability. The team’s resilience and strategic use of resources exemplify the essence of sustainable development—creating meaningful change with enduring consequences. She-Guard’s commitment extends beyond business, aligning with SDGs to create a holistic impact on communities and the planet. As they navigate challenges, She-Guard stands as a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven initiatives, embodying the spirit of sustainability and resilience to bring about a brighter, eco-conscious future.
In spearheading She-Guard, Mehreen has exhibited leadership on multiple fronts to address the pressing issue of limited access to affordable menstrual products and the associated challenges. As a trailblazer in environmental entrepreneurship, she has leveraged her role as the founder and CEO to drive change at the grassroots level. Through targeted awareness campaigns, She has reached marginalized communities, debunking taboos around menstruation and fostering dialogue. Moreover, SheGuard’s innovative biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana waste represent a sustainable solution that aligns with SDG 12 (sustainable consumption and production). By empowering women with employment opportunities and promoting eco-conscious choices, Mehreen has championed social and environmental impact. Winning the Climate Launchpad 2023 Asia Pacific Regional Finals underscores not only her commitment but also the effectiveness of She-Guard in addressing a multifaceted challenge. Through these endeavors, Mehreen emerged as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the intersectionality of women’s health, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment. Through She-Guard, she champions SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). As a leader, Mehreen is committed to transforming women’s health, promoting sustainable practices, and advancing social and economic equity.
Her Words of Advice For The Youth
My advice for young people who really want to bring long-lasting revolution:
1. Listen and Learn: Understand the real needs and challenges of your community by actively listening to their voices and experiences.
2. Stay Passionate and Persistent: Pursue your mission with unwavering passion and persistence, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks.
3. Collaborate and Empower: Build strong partnerships and empower others to join your cause, creating a collective force for meaningful change.
You can connect with Mehreen Raza on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Also check out her project here.
Who will be the next OD Young Person of the Month?
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