Partnering with Kandaka Naturals to Expand Access to Soap through Hygiene Kits

We’ve partnered with Kandaka Naturals, a women-led Rwandan social enterprise creating handmade soaps from locally sourced, natural ingredients. Together, we’re reaching over 1,000 girls and women across Rwanda, including those living in five refugee camps, underserved urban communities, and rural areas where access to basic hygiene remains out of reach.

Kandaka will deliver dignity sets that include eco-friendly soap, reusable menstrual pads, and toothbrushes. These sets are being distributed through interactive workshops that provide education on handwashing, menstrual health, oral hygiene, and self-care - creating a space for learning, sharing, and building confidence.

We asked the Kandaka Naturals team to share more about their story, their hopes for this partnership, and their vision for the future.

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"What inspired the founding of Kandaka, and what does Kandaka’s name represent?"

Kandaka was founded with a vision to empower women and promote health and sustainability through natural, locally made hygiene and cosmetic products. The name “Kandaka” is inspired by a Nubian queen, symbolising strength, beauty, resilience, and the power of African women.

"What moment in Kandaka’s journey that stands out as especially meaningful or impactful?"

A powerful moment was distributing reusable pads in rural schools and seeing the girls’ confidence grow through access to basic hygiene resources. We are proud that our impact is two-fold, not only are we supporting health, we are also creating meaningful jobs for women involved in local production.

"What are some of the key challenges around hygiene in the communities you serve?"

Many of the communities we serve face multiple barriers when it comes to maintaining basic hygiene. Affordable, high-quality hygiene products like soap, pads, and toothbrushes are often unavailable or out of reach, especially in refugee settings and rural areas. Menstrual health education is limited, and harmful taboos continue to create shame and silence around periods. These challenges make it difficult for girls and women to care for themselves confidently and consistently.

"What impact do you hope to see by the end of the project?

We hope to see more girls and women equipped with reusable pads, natural soaps, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. By improving access to these resources, we aim to support healthier habits, strengthen self-confidence, and reduce shame around basic hygiene needs.

We’re excited to work with partners who share our values of empowerment, sustainability, and impact. We hope this collaboration will help us reach more girls and communities with the support they need to manage their hygiene with dignity.

"What is Kandaka’s long-term vision for the next few years?"

In the next five years, Kandaka Naturals hopes to grow as an inspiring women-led social enterprise providing natural, sustainable hygiene and cosmetic products made in Rwanda. Our goal is to empower women, promote health, and protect the planet.

"How can others support or stay connected to Kandaka’s work?"

People can support us by using our products, partnering with us, or contributing to our menstrual hygiene initiatives. We are active on social media and always open to new connections and collaborations.

This partnership is rooted in a shared belief: that access to soap and menstrual products is not a luxury, but a right. By working with Kandaka, we’re investing in local leadership, community health, and a more dignified future for women and girls across Rwanda.

With a special thank you to SoapBox Soaps who have been a constant supporter of Sundara and has made this program possible.