Surrey Innovator Wins Fellowship for Menstruation App
Surrey resident Muskaan Waraich has been awarded the prestigious Eureka Fellowship, helping her advance a groundbreaking menstruation app designed to promote menstrual equity across Canada. Selected as one of just 10 youth changemakers nationwide, Waraich’s project aims to provide inclusive menstrual health solutions while addressing period poverty and stigma.
Eureka Fellowship Recognizes Changemakers
The 2025 Eureka Fellowship, supported by AstraZeneca Canada and Plan International Canada, identifies young leaders between 18 and 30 making meaningful social impact. Fellows receive $10,000 in funding, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities, along with the chance to showcase their work at a 2026 summit. Waraich, who has long worked with Plan International Canada programs, described the recognition as a “full-circle moment.”
Turning Advocacy into Innovation
Waraich has devoted years to advancing menstrual equity through her grassroots organization EmpowerUp and the Red Chest project in Langley schools, which provided free sustainable menstrual products. Building on this foundation, she is now developing a mobile app that goes beyond cycle tracking. Her vision includes product recommendations, delivery options, and a supportive online community. She hopes the app will eventually set a national standard for inclusive menstrual care.
From Research to Real-World Impact
Her journey recently took her to Ghana, where she collaborated with Youth Challenge International to co-develop a best practices guide on menstrual equity. The guide, created through surveys and interviews with women entrepreneurs, focused on improving education, reducing stigma, and expanding access to products. Waraich also refined her app concept through Brock University’s Navigate program, gaining mentorship and feedback to strengthen her business model before launch.
Voices of Support
AstraZeneca Canada president Gaby Bourbara praised Waraich’s efforts, highlighting her commitment to advancing health equity through innovative menstrual care. Plan International Canada’s president Lindsay Glassco also commended her leadership, calling it a reminder of the importance of youth-driven innovation in solving global challenges.
Looking Ahead
With fellowship support, Waraich is currently in the research phase and preparing for the app’s pilot launch. Her long-term goal is not only to reduce stigma but also to create sustainable, equitable systems that make menstrual care accessible for all.
Stay tuned to SurreySpeak for more inspiring stories from your community.
Stay tuned to SurreySpeak for updates that matter to Surrey residents.
