Team Pritilata: Tackling Period Poverty with Innovation and Purpose In the heart of Bangladesh, a group of young changemakers is on a mission to address one of the country’s most pervasive and overlooked issues: period poverty. Team Pritilata, led by Mahbub Ahmed Chowdhury and composed of Suraiya Tasnur Tanha, Abu Naser Shah Md. Maruf Ahmed, and Aysha Ahmed Iffat, has taken on the challenge of promoting menstrual hygiene and gender equality through an innovative solution that promises to change the lives of women and girls across the nation. The story of Team Pritilata began with a simple yet powerful conversation. "Once, during an adda, we were discussing the taboos that still persist in our society," says Mahbub. It was then that the group realized the extent to which period poverty—a long-standing issue—remains hidden and largely unaddressed in Bangladesh. Inspired by the need to make a meaningful change, the team embraced the opportunity to create a business plan that wasn’t just about entrepreneurship but also about social impact. "We wholeheartedly embraced the idea, aiming not only for success but also to make a difference in ending period poverty," shares Mahbub. It was the spark that led to the formation of Team Pritilata and their unwavering commitment to menstrual hygiene management. For Team Pritilata, the inspiration for their startup came from the urgent need to improve menstrual hygiene in Bangladesh. The lack of access to menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities is a challenge that affects millions of women and girls, often leading to health issues, missed school days, and a cycle of stigma and shame. "Recognizing these challenges, we were motivated to innovate solutions," says Mahbub. Their startup aims to address these issues through a comprehensive approach that includes: An Integrated App: A digital platform to provide education and resources on menstrual health. Pad Booths: Easy-to-access vending machines for sanitary products in schools and public places. Sanitation Improvements: Enhancing facilities to ensure a hygienic environment for women and girls. Recycling Initiatives: Promoting sustainability through the proper disposal and recycling of menstrual products. Their vision is simple yet powerful: to promote menstrual hygiene management and create a pathway toward gender equality by empowering women and girls with the resources they need. The recognition of Team Pritilata's hard work and vision came in the form of a prestigious award. Reflecting on the moment their name was announced as one of the winners in the Start Innovation Program, the team couldn’t have been more thrilled. "It felt great," Mahbub says, recalling the excitement of the day. "We were confident about being in the top 5 teams since our mentor, judges, and all the other teams praised us a lot. But the most exciting part was when it was time to announce the champion team, and the rest of the teams were looking at us." For Team Pritilata, it was a surreal moment—one that made them feel as if they were "floating on the moon." After months of hard work and dedication, the team knew that this was just the beginning of their journey. "Finally, all our hard work paid off. But we don’t want to stop here—we want to fly even higher." With pre-seed funding of BDT 50k secured, Team Pritilata is ready to take their venture to the next level. Their immediate focus is on launching their first vending machine at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). This initiative will be accompanied by a targeted campaign to raise awareness about menstrual health management among students. Additionally, the team plans to expand their reach by conducting school campaigns, emphasizing the importance of menstrual hygiene and breaking down taboos that surround the subject. "Our goal is to enhance brand awareness and make a positive impact on young girls," says Mahbub. To support the growth of their product line, Team Pritilata will also be expanding their research and development (R&D) team, specifically focusing on the manufacturing of their vending machines. This strategic step will help them improve their product offerings and bring them closer to their vision of widespread access to menstrual products in schools and communities across Bangladesh. Behind the success of Team Pritilata lies the unwavering support of the University Innovation Hub Program (UIHP). As Mahbub explains, the program played a vital role in nurturing their ideas and providing them with the tools and confidence to succeed. "The contribution of UIHP to our venture is commendable," he shares. "It helped us a lot in nourishing our ideas. The regular classes and mentors were amazing. Sometimes, we struggled to attend the weekly sessions, but by managing everything, we succeeded." UIHP provided Team Pritilata with a wealth of knowledge about real-world business and entrepreneurship. From refining their business model to preparing them for pitch competitions, the program gave them the confidence and resources to turn their vision into a tangible product. "UIHP made us confident and firm about our goals. We are happily overwhelmed by its contribution." With their eyes set on eradicating period poverty, Team Pritilata is on a mission to make menstrual hygiene accessible for all women and girls in Bangladesh. By combining innovative technology, community outreach, and a commitment to sustainability, they are not only addressing a critical need but also paving the way for a future where menstrual health is prioritized and period poverty is a thing of the past. Thanks to the support of the University Innovation Hub Program and their relentless drive to make a difference, Team Pritilata is well on their way to achieving their goal. As they continue to expand their reach and develop their products, the future looks brighter for the millions of women and girls who will benefit from their innovative solutions.How It All Began: The Formation of Team Pritilata
The Birth of an Idea: Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Challenges
The Moment of Triumph: Hearing Their Name Called
Next Steps: Product Development, Awareness, and Team Growth
The Support of the University Innovation Hub Program
Pritilata: A Vision for a More Equitable Future
