Whisper a dream Foundation

24/07/2026

08/07/2026

Shine A Light On: HLUPEKILE LUHANA | MHM Advocate, Founder & Executive Director, Lotus Pads Zambia

Shupekile is a menstrual health advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader who is rewriting the story of periods in Zambia.

As the Executive Director and Founder of Lotus Pads Zambia, she established one of Zambia’s first female-led sanitary pad brands. Lotus Pads was born from a simple but powerful vision: that every girl and woman should have access to safe, affordable, and sustainable menstrual products.

But for Shupekile, the work doesn’t stop at the product. She is deeply invested in community. Across schools and communities, she leads MHM workshops, reusable pad-making trainings, and period-positive conversations that tackle myths, taboos, and misinformation head-on. Through product donations of reusable pads and clean underwear, she ensures girls have what they need to stay in school with dignity.

Shupekile’s leadership is proof that business can be a tool for social change. By combining entrepreneurship with direct grassroots action, she is helping to end period povertyin Zambia — one girl, one community, one conversation at a time.

A champion, a mentor, and a voice for dignity. This is Shupekile.

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08/07/2026

Across the globe, governments, organizations, and communities are stepping up to end period poverty and restore menstrual dignity. Scotland became the first country to make period products free in all public buildings, ensuring no one is left behind. Kenya has institutionalized free sanitary pads in schools and removed taxes on menstrual products to improve affordability. In India, social enterprises and grassroots groups are training women to manufacture low-cost reusable pads, creating jobs while improving access in rural areas. Canada and New Zealandhave introduced free period products in schools and workplaces, recognizing menstrual health as part of basic health and education equity. These efforts remind us that ending period poverty takes bold policy, community action, and innovation and that Zambia can learn from and be inspired by this global movement to ensure every girl and woman manages her period with dignity.

29/06/2026

MHM Workshop | Robert Dean Secondary School
Date: 27th June 2026
Location: Robert Dean Secondary School, Ngwerere, Lusaka Province
Organizer: As Whisper a Dream Foundation
Beneficiaries: 200 Girls

1. Overview
As Whisper a Dream Foundation, in collaboration with Bayport Zambia, Lotus Pads Zambia, and the Engineering Institution of Zambia [EIZ], successfully hosted a Menstrual Health and Hygiene [MHM] workshop at Robert Dean Secondary School, Ngwerere, on 27th June 2026. The initiative reached 200 girls and focused on promoting menstrual dignity, dispelling harmful taboos, and providing practical, sustainable solutions.

2. Key Activities
1. Reusable Pad-Making Training
200 learners received hands-on training on how to make reusable sanitary pads using safe, cost-effective materials, promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene management.

2. Product Donation
Pre-made reusable pads and clean underwear were donated to learners to ensure immediate access to dignified menstrual products.

3. Period-Positive Dialogue
A facilitated session addressed common myths, taboos, and misinformation surrounding menstruation. The conversation created a safe, inclusive space that helped normalize menstrual health.

4. Career Guidance Session
Learners engaged with representatives from the Engineering Institution of Zambia and Ms. Shupe, CEO of Lotus Pads Zambia .The talks highlighted opportunities in STEM, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

3. Partners & Collaboration
We acknowledge the support of our partners:
- Bayport Zambia 🇿🇲
- Lotus Pads Zambia 🇿🇲
- Engineering Institution of Zambia [EIZ]

4. Impact & Conclusion
The workshop equipped 200 girls in Ngwerere with knowledge, practical skills, and essential supplies, while actively challenging stigma around menstruation. By combining health education with career mentorship, the program addressed both immediate MHM needs and long-term learner empowerment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners and the school administration for their commitment to menstrual health, education, and youth

29/06/2026

MHM Workshop | Robert Dean Secondary School
Date: 27th June 2026
Location: Robert Dean Secondary School, Ngwerere, Lusaka Province
Organizer: As Whisper a Dream Foundation
Beneficiaries: 200 Girls

1. Overview
As Whisper a Dream Foundation, in collaboration with Bayport Zambia, Lotus Pads Zambia, and the Engineering Institution of Zambia [EIZ], successfully hosted a Menstrual Health and Hygiene [MHM] workshop at Robert Dean Secondary School, Ngwerere, on 27th June 2026. The initiative reached 200 girls and focused on promoting menstrual dignity, dispelling harmful taboos, and providing practical, sustainable solutions.

2. Key Activities
1. Reusable Pad-Making Training
200 learners received hands-on training on how to make reusable sanitary pads using safe, cost-effective materials, promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene management.

2. Product Donation
Pre-made reusable pads and clean underwear were donated to learners to ensure immediate access to dignified menstrual products.

3. Period-Positive Dialogue
A facilitated session addressed common myths, taboos, and misinformation surrounding menstruation. The conversation created a safe, inclusive space that helped normalize menstrual health.

4. Career Guidance Session
Learners engaged with representatives from the Engineering Institution of Zambia and Ms. Shupe, CEO of Lotus Pads Zambia .The talks highlighted opportunities in STEM, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

3. Partners & Collaboration
We acknowledge the support of our partners:
- Bayport Zambia 🇿🇲
- Lotus Pads Zambia 🇿🇲
- Engineering Institution of Zambia [EIZ]

4. Impact & Conclusion
The workshop equipped 200 girls in Ngwerere with knowledge, practical skills, and essential supplies, while actively challenging stigma around menstruation. By combining health education with career mentorship, the program addressed both immediate MHM needs and long-term learner empowerment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners and the school administration for their commitment to menstrual health, education, and youth

24/06/2026