SOCIAL INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE STRATEGY · HOSKOTE, INDIA

Mythri — Women-Led Menstrual Health Enterprise

Strengthening a social enterprise through business model innovation and collective ownership


01 / BRIEF & APPROACH

Mythri is an all-women’s self-help group established to manufacture affordable sanitary napkins and promote menstrual health in rural Hoskote. Supported by Manipal Foundation, the enterprise sought to become economically self-sustaining while building a stronger sense of ownership among its members.

The engagement examined how local entrepreneurial practices, stakeholder relationships and the supply chain could support both financial viability and social value. The focus extended beyond the product to the women’s experience of participation, recognition and empowerment.

02 / MY CONTRIBUTION

Connecting field research with business model exploration

As Design Researcher and Strategist, I collaborated with Bridget Sheerin on a three-month engagement commissioned by Manipal Foundation. We conducted research and stakeholder interviews to understand the enterprise’s challenges and identify opportunities for its development.

We brought these insights into a two-hour workshop involving design practitioners, entrepreneurs, investors, activists, business leaders and nonprofit representatives. Rapid ideation, future storytelling and scenario building helped participants explore alternative business models and approaches to member engagement.


03 / OUTCOMES

The engagement proposed a “Gratitude Initiative” to strengthen appreciation, security and belonging within Mythri.

The proposal positioned individual and collective dignity as integral to enterprise development, seeking to build pride, ownership and empowerment among members alongside the ambition for a financially sustainable business.

Collaborators: Mythri, Shristi Mahila Okkutta, Manipal Foundation and Rotary Indiranagar Bangalore Trust.

© Manipal Foundation. All rights reserved.


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