Angela Waweru
Angela Waweru is the dynamic Founding Partner of the Heels4Pads Foundation, spearheading transformative menstrual health initiatives across Kenya. Launched in 2019, the foundation emerged as a response to the alarming prevalence of period poverty—where about 65% of Kenyan women struggle to afford menstrual products, causing nearly 42% of schoolgirls to miss school during their menstruation.
Driven by innovation and compassion, Angela helped pioneer the unique “Heels for Pads” barter model, where gently used high heels are exchanged for sanitary pads and funds to support girls’ menstrual hygiene. Under her leadership, the organization has served over 24,000 girls and women across 19 counties, distributing dignity kits, providing menstrual health education, and installing digital pad dispensers (Pad ATMs) in multiple schools to guarantee discreet, reliable pad access.
Angela’s efforts further extend to digital mentorship and skills training for teenage mothers and survivors of gender-based violence, empowering them through entrepreneurial development and psychosocial support.
Recognized as one of Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 women, Angela continues to redefine menstrual equity—not just by providing products, but through strategic advocacy, policy engagement, and creative outreach. Her leadership is reshaping narratives around menstruation, education, and gender empowerment in Kenya and beyond.