Creating a healthier, more dignified and sustainable future for women.
Caryle develops sustainable women’s health solutions, builds circular manufacturing capacity, and creates economic opportunities for women and communities.
About Caryle
A women-led social enterprise and circular innovation company
Caryle is based in Kisumu, Kenya, creating practical solutions that advance women’s health, dignity, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
We work at the intersection of women’s health, circular manufacturing and inclusive economic opportunity, developing sustainable products, building practical skills and creating pathways for women and communities to participate in the green economy.
Our work is centred on the female life course – from menstruation and motherhood to perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. Through our growing portfolio of innovations, we seek to make essential products and knowledge more affordable, accessible, sustainable and dignified, particularly for underserved communities.
At the same time, we believe sustainable change requires more than providing products. It requires skills, livelihoods, local manufacturing capacity and access to markets. Through CircularSkills™ and GreenRise™, we equip women and young people with practical skills in circular manufacturing, entrepreneurship, business development and market access, enabling them to become producers, entrepreneurs and change agents.
Our circular manufacturing approach, anchored by EcoReFab™, seeks to retain the value of materials by transforming suitable resources and textile materials into useful, sustainable products rather than allowing their value to be lost through disposal.
Ultimately, Caryle exists to demonstrate that women’s health, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment can be addressed together through responsible innovation and locally rooted enterprise.
Vision, Mission & Purpose
What we’re working towards, and why
Our Vision
To be Africa’s leading women’s health and circular innovation enterprise, advancing dignity, health, wellbeing and economic empowerment across every stage of a woman’s life through sustainable products, education and inclusive green solutions.
Our Mission
To empower women and communities with affordable, sustainable and dignified health solutions across the female life course, while creating livelihoods and economic opportunities through circular innovation, skills development and inclusive local manufacturing.
Our Purpose
To create a healthier, more dignified and sustainable future for women and communities by turning challenges into opportunities for innovation, enterprise and shared value.
Brand Philosophy
Healthy Women. Dignified Lives. Sustainable Communities.
This captures the bigger idea behind Caryle. We believe that:
Healthy women
Contribute to healthier families, stronger communities and more productive economies.
Dignified lives
Begin when people can access the products, knowledge, services and opportunities they need without shame, exclusion or unnecessary financial burden.
Sustainable communities
Are built when people, businesses and institutions create economic value while protecting the resources and environment on which future generations depend.
Strategic Pillars
Five pillars, one integrated strategy
Caryle’s work is organised around five interconnected pillars, spanning health, manufacturing, skills, economic empowerment and partnerships.
01 Women’s Health & Dignity
Supporting women through every stage of the female life course.
Women’s health is at the heart of Caryle’s long-term strategy. We are building a portfolio of products, information and solutions that respond to changing needs across a woman’s life.
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Menstrual Health
DignifyHer™
Reusable sanitary pads and related menstrual health solutions designed to promote menstrual dignity, affordability, sustainability and confidence.
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Maternal Health
EcoCare™
Washable diapers and future maternity and pregnancy wearables designed to support mothers and babies while promoting affordability and sustainability.
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Menopausal Health
MenoVeya™
A future-focused wellness platform addressing perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, wellness products, skin and hair care, personal care and accessible education.
From the first period to motherhood and menopause, Caryle seeks to create solutions that support women through the changing needs of their lives.
02 Circular Manufacturing & Product Innovation
EcoReFab™-retaining the value of materials.
EcoReFab™ is Caryle’s circular manufacturing platform, our commitment to retaining the value of materials for as long as possible by designing, manufacturing and promoting products that support resource efficiency, reuse, recovery and responsible production.
Textile waste recovery & reuse | Circular product design Material upcycling | Local manufacturing | Resource efficiency |Reduction of production waste | Sustainable product development Responsible sourcing |Community-based production Circular value chains
We do not see waste simply as something to dispose of. We see materials with retained value as opportunities to create products, businesses, livelihoods and environmental solutions. EcoReFab™ therefore provides the manufacturing foundation upon which several of Caryle’s products and future innovations can be built.
03 Skills, Entrepreneurship & Green Livelihoods
Training should lead somewhere.
People should not simply leave a training programme with a certificate. They should leave with practical skills, confidence, business knowledge, market opportunities and a pathway towards income generation. This pillar operates through two complementary platforms.
- Circular manufacturing
- Product production
- Sewing & technical skills
- Material selection
- Quality control
- Costing & pricing
- Waste-to-value enterprise development
- Entrepreneurship
- Business development
- Financial literacy
- Branding, marketing & sales
- Market access
- Business planning
- Green business models
CircularSkills™ teaches people how to make. GreenRise™ helps them build businesses around what they make.
04 Women’s Economic Empowerment
Women as producers, not only beneficiaries.
Caryle does not see women merely as consumers or beneficiaries. We see women as producers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, distributors, employers, community leaders and decision-makers. Our economic empowerment strategy seeks to create opportunities for women to participate throughout the value chain, from production and product development to sales, distribution, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Women-led manufacturing | Women-owned enterprises Income generation | Green jobs | Financial literacy Market access | Leadership development | Women-led supply chains
Train → Certify towards Train → Equip → Produce → Connect to Markets → Generate Income → Grow
05 Partnerships, Market Access & Impact
Sustainable impact cannot be built alone.
Caryle works to build partnerships with organisations that can contribute resources, expertise, markets, technology, financing, policy influence and community reach, moving from one-off interventions to sustainable partnerships that create measurable and lasting value.
NGOs | Development Partners | Corporates County & national government | Schools Women's groups & CBOs | Retailers & distributors Impact investors
NGOs & Development Partners
Schools
Corporates
Women’s Groups
Counties & Government.
Retailers & Distributors
Products + training + programme implementation + impact measurement
Menstrual products + education + menstrual dignity programmes
CSR/ESG partnerships + sponsored access + women’s economic empowerment
CircularSkills™ + production + entrepreneurship + market access
Local manufacturing + public programmes + skills + community impact
Market access + product availability + regional expansion
Our Core Values
Meet the Passionate Minds Behind Caryle
Our dedicated team is the driving force behind Caryle's mission. Comprising individuals with diverse expertise and a shared commitment to social and environmental change, we work collaboratively to bring our vision to life.
Caren Ajwang
Founder and CEOCaren Ajwang leads Caryle’s strategy, communication, and partnerships, building a circular economy enterprise that transforms textile waste into reusable, affordable products. She is the force behind DignifyHer™, advancing menstrual health access while creating green jobs for women and youth. With over two decades of experience across development and enterprise, Caren is committed to scaling practical, sustainable solutions that improve lives and protect the environment.
Prof. Emily Rogena
Director, Impact & Sustainability AdvisoryProfessor Emily Rogena serves as Director at Caryle, providing strategic oversight on impact, sustainability, and systems integration. With expertise spanning medicine, agriculture, and community development, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to linking health, environment, and livelihoods. She supports Caryle in strengthening impact measurement, aligning operations with sustainable development goals, and ensuring evidence-based decision-making. Her experience working with communities, government, academia, civil society, and private sector partners strengthens Caryle’s ability to deliver measurable, scalable impact. Emily is committed to advancing solutions that improve health outcomes, promote environmental sustainability, and drive inclusive socio-economic growth.
Olivia L. A. Onyango (HSC)
Director, Gender & Inclusive GrowthOlivia L.A. Onyango provides strategic leadership on gender equality and inclusive growth at Caryle. With over 20 years of experience in governance, public policy, and conflict resolution, she brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, risk management, and building accountable systems. She supports the integration of gender-responsive approaches across Caryle’s operations, ensuring women and youth are not only beneficiaries, but active participants and leaders within the value chain. Her strength in facilitating dialogue and navigating complex stakeholder environments strengthens partnerships and trust. Olivia is committed to advancing equitable opportunities and enabling women’s economic empowerment as a driver of sustainable development and business growth.
Vera Omondi
Director, Operations & FinanceVera Omondi leads operations, talent management, and financial oversight at Caryle, ensuring efficient systems and strong financial discipline as the enterprise scales. With a background in accounting, finance, and risk management, she brings expertise in budgeting, compliance, and performance management. She strengthens Caryle’s internal structures, supporting team development, optimizing operations, and ensuring accountability across functions. Her experience in stakeholder engagement and regulatory environments enhances Caryle’s credibility with partners, donors, and investors. Vera is committed to building resilient systems that support sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term impact.
SUCCESS STORIES
We are very proud of the service we provide and stand by every product we carry. Read our testimonials from our community.
“Before I received the reusable pads, I used old rags and even stayed home during my period. I felt ashamed and afraid of leaks. Since I got the DignifyHer kit, I feel comfortable, confident, and I no longer miss school.”
Primary School Student – South West Kisumu Ward, Kisumu County
“Many of our girls struggled to manage menstruation and often stayed home. Since partnering with Caryle, absenteeism has dropped. We also run menstrual health clubs and the girls are more confident than ever before. This is real change.”
Headteacher – Primary School in Kisumu East Subcounty``Thanks to Caryle, I no longer worry about missing school during my period. The reusable sanitary pads are comfortable, and I can focus on my studies without any disruptions.``
Obambo Secondary School StudentAs a mother, Caryle's initiative has made a significant impact on my daughter's life. The reusable pads are not only eco-friendly but also hygienic and comfortable, ensuring my daughter's menstrual health is taken care of.``
Parent``Being a teacher in an underserved community, I've seen firsthand how Caryle has improved attendance among girls. They are more confident and participate actively in class, thanks to the sustainable menstrual products provided.``
School Teacher``Caryle doesn't just provide pads; they empower girls with knowledge about menstrual health. Their approach is comprehensive, addressing both environmental sustainability and the well-being of the girls.``
Community Health Worker – Kisumu West Sub-CountyPartnerships
Collaborating for Greater Impact
Caryle thrives on strong partnerships. We collaborate with a network of NGOs, schools, corporate entities, and community stakeholders who share our vision for a sustainable and equitable future. Together, we amplify our reach and deepen our impact.
