How Two Teens Built Mosetsana Pads into a Movement Against Period Poverty
How Two Teens Built Mosetsana Pads into a Movement Against Period Poverty. When Neo Cholo and Goitseone Maboe founded Mosetsana Pads in 2022, they were just teenagers who saw a pressing need in their communities. But they turned their empathy into action and their action into a growing brand with a clear social mission.
From Classmates to Changemakers
Goitseone experienced firsthand how expensive pads and lack of information affected young girls. She reached out to Neo on social media, knowing his public speaking and community work would complement her vision. Together, they launched a company with a mission: make affordable, safe and dignified period products available to all.
Lesson 1: Build with partnership and purpose. Combining complementary talents, this duo brought technical insight and marketing savvy to a shared mission.
Defining a Clear Mission and Brand
Mosetsana means “young woman” in Setswana and the brand reflects that identity. Their mission: restore dignity through affordable quality products for women and girls across townships, villages and urban areas.
They established core values, affordable, innovation, dignity, quality, comfort, inclusion. From the start, every decision echoed their focus on reducing period poverty and empowering women.
Lesson 2: Align brand identity with real impact. When your name, values and actions align, your message becomes powerful and authentic.
Launching with Smart Strategies
With limited funds, the duo pooled family resources and roped in a local manufacturer, Goitseone designed product specification, while Neo focused on branding.
They launched with a local distribution strategy, sold via their website and on-demand delivery. Early pricing, 8 pads for R14, made affordability tangible.
Lesson 3: Launch lean and local. Starting small, with control over quality and pricing, gives both clarity and flexibility.
Expanding with Credibility
Mosetsana Pads prioritized credibility early. They gained SABS approval, proudly marketed as 100 percent black owned and locally manufactured, laying a foundation for trust.
Support programs followed: they created a Student Desk to supply pads in schools and partnered with NGOs to drive ongoing distribution.
Lesson 4: Build trust through standards and partnerships. Quality seals and community ties amplify impact and reputation.
Solving Challenges Through Innovation
Despite tight budgets and stiff competition, the founders remained adaptive. They introduced ultra-thin pads, experimented with eco-friendly liners, and signalled intent to offer tampons, pantyliners and reusable pads in future lines.
They also pivoted in messaging, welcoming boys and families into the conversation. As Neo said, pads are not just a women’s issue. Awareness and marketing shifted to include parents, brothers and communities.
Lesson 5: Innovate on product, not only pressure. Product expansion and inclusive communication extend brand relevance.
Key Milestones at a Glance
| Milestone | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 2022 – Brand launch | Direct entry into local markets with affordable pads |
| 2022 – SABS approval & Proudly SA | Boosted credibility and trust |
| 2023 – Student Desk & NGO partnerships | Expanded community reach |
| Ongoing – Product R&D and inclusive marketing | Innovated product line and narrative |
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn
- Start with empathy and teamwork. Shared mission + complementary skills = stronger foundation.
- Define identity through mission. Make your brand name and values reflect what you solve.
- Launch local, stay flexible. Keep control over quality, pricing and production.
- Verify and partner early. Trust is built through quality standards and alliances.
- Expand product thoughtfully. Grow your offering in response to customer needs.
- Include everyone in your message. Broader awareness leads to deeper brand acceptance.
Final Word
Mosetsana Pads is more than a sanitary brand, it is a movement. Neo and Goitseone taught us that social entrepreneurship can be led through authenticity, smart strategy, and resilient execution. For those aiming to build purpose-driven businesses, their journey offers a practical and inspiring roadmap: start with care, build with credibility, and grow through community.
