Debbie Mogale

What does your company do?

The Debbie De Foundation is a South African nonprofit organization working to end menstrual poverty and create opportunities for children and young girls from marginalized communities. Founded by Debbie Mogale, the foundation is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control—whether it’s poverty, lack of education, or limited access to basic health resources. At the heart of the foundation’s mission is a deep belief in dignity, sustainability, and equity. Through practical, community-driven initiatives, the foundation bridges critical gaps in health, education, and access—so that every young girl can thrive. Key Focus Areas: 1. Menstrual Health and Hygiene The foundation is developing and testing a line of reusable sanitary pads to support girls who cannot afford disposable menstrual products. These pads will be packaged in smart, nano-coated packaging—designed to compress air, neutralize odor, and ensure hygienic storage, particularly for used pads. This initiative is both sustainable and empowering, and the product line will be named in honor of Debbie’s late grandmother, Lilly Mathebula, whose strength and influence continue to inspire the work of the foundation. 2. The Red Stain: Education Through Storytelling The Red Stain is a children’s book written by Debbie Mogale to help young kids—especially those in underserved communities—understand what a period is and why it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The story is a warm, informative introduction to menstruation that normalizes the conversation from an early age. The book is also being adapted into a short animated TV series, making the message even more accessible to children in communities with low literacy levels or limited access to books. 3. Circular Sustainability Projects In collaboration with Witkoppen Clinic, the foundation is repurposing old hospital linen and pillowcases into medicine bags for patients. This addresses a plastic shortage at the clinic while promoting sustainability and restoring dignity to patients. The clinic sees over 500 patients a day, amplifying the impact of this waste-reduction and health-access initiative. 4. Education and Empowerment Through workshops, school-based programs, and community outreach, the foundation empowers girls with knowledge, confidence, and the tools they need to stay in school and reach their potential. The work is not only about distributing products—it’s about changing mindsets, dismantling stigma, and sparking hope. The Debbie De Foundation's work is grounded in lived experience. Debbie Mogale’s own journey—from a young girl who experienced financial hardship to a top-performing professional and social innovator—fuels the organization’s vision to build systems that support dignity, opportunity, and self-determination for all.

What is your biggest success?

One of my greatest achievements has been launching our very own Debbie De Foundation warehouse in the past year—a space that has become the heart of our operations and a symbol of how far we’ve come. Having our own facility has allowed us to streamline the production of our reusable pads, expand our team, and create employment opportunities for women like Tshepiso Mashego. It’s a major step toward building a self-sustaining, scalable model of impact. Alongside this, publishing our first children’s book, The Red Stain, was another proud moment. The book is a powerful educational tool that breaks the silence around menstruation and helps children understand periods in a safe, relatable way. Seeing it come to life—and launching it into communities where this knowledge is desperately needed—has been deeply fulfilling. Together, these milestones reflect our growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to changing lives.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Our biggest hurdle has been developing a high-quality, sustainable product as a nonprofit with limited funding. Unlike traditional businesses that have access to investment capital or product development budgets, we’ve had to be resourceful—stretching every rand to move from concept to prototype. Creating our reusable pads required research, testing, and sourcing materials that are both affordable and safe, all while managing ongoing community programs. As a nonprofit, we’re constantly balancing impact with financial sustainability, and funding often goes toward immediate needs like outreach and education, making it difficult to invest in long-term innovation. Despite these challenges, we’ve pushed forward—partnering with local talent, like our seamstress Tshepiso, and applying for grants and fellowships to support our growth. The process has been slow and demanding, but it’s taught us resilience and creativity. Every small step forward feels like a victory, because we know the product will change lives.