Dr (HC) Valerie. Whomashnee Naidoo

What does your company do?

The Wireless Female Network (WFN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the socio-economic advancement of women, girls, and youth, alongside the critical mission of reducing gender inequalities. WFN aligns to eight of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and uses a holistic approach to education, health, and leadership, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. WFN focuses on several interconnected channels to achieve its mission: Female Wellbeing and Menstrual Health: We champion menstrual health matters, ensuring that the girl child from underserved communities can menstruate with dignity. This goes beyond providing products; it's about fostering education, destigmatizing menstruation, and ensuring equitable access to resources. A program called the "Stewards of Change Wellbeing Mentorship" program has been rolled out in a school in the KZN province, and a second school is currently being socialized. Our commitment to female well-being extends to inclusive support for peri- and menopausal individuals, recognizing and addressing their unique health needs. Reducing Unemployment through Work Readiness: WFN tackles unemployment rates by implementing innovative digital work readiness programs. These initiatives seamlessly integrate essential digital literacy, an understanding of AI technologies, and a focus on holistic wellness, equipping young women and youth with the skills and confidence needed to excel in today's evolving job market. Women's Empowerment and Addressing Gender Gaps: We actively address gender disparities through various powerful programs. This includes ICT programs that bridge the digital divide, leadership development initiatives designed to cultivate female leaders, and comprehensive programs that integrate female wellness components such as menstrual equity and menopause health. We believe that true empowerment stems from robust health and equitable opportunities. In 2021, WFN conducted pivotal research that revealed direct links between period poverty and generational poverty. This crucial finding has since informed the design of our programs and driven our partnerships with schools and communities to integrate wellness education, addressing a critical gap currently missing in the South African national curriculum. The Wireless Female Network serves as a vital global platform, bringing together menstrual health activists, researchers, learning institutes, health and well-being champions, social activists, and humanitarians. The Wireless female network has ambassadors across South Africa and even beyond. This diverse community shares unique insights from their respective countries and regions, fostering collaboration and driving impactful solutions on a global scale. Our reach is expansive, reflecting the universal nature of our mission. WFN currently has a strong presence on 5 continents, operating in 22 countries, supported by a dedicated network of 35 global ambassadors. This expansive network allows us to amplify voices, mobilize resources, and create sustainable, meaningful change, building a future where gender equality and socio-economic advancement are a reality for all.

What is your biggest success?

My proudest accomplishment is undoubtedly the Wireless Female Network (WFN), a vision brought to life in 2021 that has, in just four short years, impacted over 100,000 lives globally. Our rapid growth reflects the urgent need and powerful resonance of our mission. Today, WFN boasts a significant presence across 22 countries, supported by a dedicated team of 35 global ambassadors spread across five continents. WFN is swiftly changing the narrative around menstrual health and gender equality. A pivotal moment for us was the launch of our groundbreaking Menstrual Health Dialogue in October 2023. This monumental initiative brought together nearly 100 speakers from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It served as a powerful platform, fostering crucial conversations and driving a collective shift in understanding and addressing menstrual health challenges worldwide. This dialogue is just one example of how WFN is not only reaching vast numbers of people but is actively shaping policies and perceptions to create a more equitable and informed future.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

My most significant challenge in expanding the reach and impact of the Wireless Female Network (WFN) has been securing consistent funding. To date, every initiative, every workshop, and every product distributed has been self-funded. While this dedication speaks volumes about our commitment, it also highlights the immense untapped potential that dedicated financial support could unlock. With adequate funding, WFN could dramatically accelerate its mission. We could: Elevate Expertise: Compensate the dedicated experts who lead our masterclasses, ensuring we provide even higher quality education and mentorship to the communities we serve. Enhance Product Access and Quality: Provide the girl child in underserved communities with not just access but better quality menstrual products, ensuring greater comfort, dignity, and sustained participation in school. Expand Critical Support Systems: Ensure that trained menstrual health coaches are consistently available at more schools, offering ongoing guidance, education, and breaking down stigmas where they begin. This consistent presence is vital for long-term impact. The difference funding would make is not merely incremental; it would be transformational. It would allow WFN to scale our proven programs, reach exponentially more individuals, and solidify our presence in communities that desperately need our support. Investing in WFN means investing directly in the socio-economic advancement of women, girls, and youth, building a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality for all.