Following an international search that received applications from 69 countries, Reckitt has announced the winners of its Lead2030 Challenges for SDG 2 and SDG 6. The two Challenge Winners will each receive a US$50,000 grant to further develop their solutions, as well as mentorship from Reckitt and professionals to help scale their impact.
Formed by One Young World and powered by some of the world’s leading businesses, Lead2030 finds, funds and accelerates SDG solutions created by founders under 30. Since coming together in 2018, Lead2030 partners have provided $1 million+ and hundreds of hours of executive mentorship to support enterprises identified through Lead2030.
Launched at the One Young World Summit 2021 in Munich, Reckitt’s Lead2030 Challenges welcomed scalable, youth-led solutions that address malnutrition particularly in children and mothers and improve access to essential hygiene infrastructure.
Meet the Challenge Winners
SDG 2 - Uche Udekwe: Natal Cares
Founded by Uche Udekwe, Natal Cares is a social enterprise that leverages on the power of mobile technology, machine learning and low-cost innovation to combat maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.
In order to bridge the healthcare information gap existing in underserved communities, Natal Cares delivers valuable healthcare information using SMS and voice notes in six local languages. These personal¬¬ised weekly texts/voice-notes remind expectant mothers of pregnancy follow-ups, clinical-reminders, child-growth and nutrition, symptoms of common childhood-illnesses, Anti Natal and post-natal care tips. Through this service, Natal Cares ensures its subscribers have access to the critical health and nutritional information they need to assist with a healthy pregnancy.
This year Natal Cares successfully grew its subscriber base to 5000 mothers and scaled into 26 states of Nigeria.
SDG 6 - Samir Lakhani: Eco-Soap Bank
Founded by Samir Lakhani, Eco-Soap Bank is a nonprofit organization which employs economically-disadvantaged women to recycle leftover soap from factories — which is then redistributed to children and refugees along with hygiene education to save lives.
Lack of access to soap remains a critical factor in fighting the spread of preventable diseases worldwide. In some areas only 1% of households have soap for handwashing. Eco-Soap Bank seeks to address the critical need for hygiene.
The organization employs 160 women as soap makers and has recycled more than 30 million bars of soap to date. More importantly, the organization has reached 6.5 million people with soap and hygiene education! The organization's 2030 vision is to employ 4,000 women as soap makers and reach 125 million children annually with soap and education. By saving soap, Eco-Soap Bank can save lives!