About Caryle
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 – from the products they use to the time and care work that shapes their days.
Our story
It began with girls staying home from school.
Caren Ajwang
Founder & CEO
Before Caryle, I worked with an international child rights organisation, visiting schools in vulnerable communities in Kisumu and Kwale. Again and again, I met girls who were missing up to five days of school every month. When I asked why, the answer was the same: they were on their periods, so they stayed home.
The pads sold in shops were too expensive for most families. Because they are single-use, they also meant a cost that returned every month, and more waste for the environment. So girls made do with rags and tissue, which leaked, leaving them embarrassed, uncomfortable and anxious. I kept asking myself how pads could be made affordable and accessible to adolescent girls living with period poverty in Kenya’s vulnerable communities.
In 2022, I attended a circular economy catalyst workshop that changed how I saw waste: materials can keep their value, at their highest use, for as long as possible. I thought at once of the textile waste all around us. What if it could become affordable, high-quality reusable menstrual products? That idea became Caryle, and its flagship innovation, DignifyHer™ Reusable Sanitary Pads.
We started by listening to tailors and garment manufacturers about how hard it is to dispose of leftover fabric responsibly. Their willingness to learn how to upcycle it became our first step: training, production, and testing the market with our prototype and first product. In 2024, we made our first bulk distribution, reaching adolescent girls and young women affected by the floods in Kisumu.
Today, we have grown from one sewing machine to a full production set in our own production facility.
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 — including the unpaid care work women carry — into opportunities for innovation, enterprise and shared value.
What guides us
Our Core Values
Our people
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 CEOLeads Caryle's strategy, communication, and partnerships, building a circular economy enterprise that transforms textile waste into reusable, affordable products, and championing new care-infrastructure ventures like CareCycle™.
Prof. Emily Rogena
Director, Impact & Sustainability AdvisoryProvides strategic oversight on impact, sustainability, and systems integration, linking health, environment, and livelihoods across Caryle's portfolio.
Olivia L. A. Onyango (HSC)
Director, Gender & Inclusive GrowthProvides strategic leadership on gender equality and inclusive growth, ensuring women and youth are active participants and leaders across the value chain.
Vera Omondi
Director, Operations & FinanceLeads operations, talent management, and financial oversight, ensuring efficient systems and strong financial discipline as the enterprise scales.
Success stories
We stand by every product and service we carry
“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 collaborates with a network of NGOs, schools, corporate entities and community stakeholders who share our vision.
