Royale Anne Kodio
Founder of So’Intim
Royale was inspired at 16 to empower women during her Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program experience in the US, realizing the challenges they face. This passion led her to found So'Intim in 2023, a social enterprise tackling period poverty and environmental impact through reusable menstrual panties.
Despite being the top graduate in optometry school with numerous job offers, she resigned to fully commit to So'Intim. She wants to do more on a deeper level for Mali, beyond a 9-5 job. At 23, she believes she can fully embrace her life's purpose, making mistakes along the way are for make ups.
Beyond product creation, Royale leads educational workshops and awareness campaigns, dismantling the taboos surrounding menstruation and fostering open conversations. Her efforts have reached 202 young girls, resulting in reduced school absenteeism and sustainable practices.
Royale's leadership extends beyond So'Intim. As a former assistant project manager at Womanager, she advocated for women's rights and spearheaded the "Programme Super Nana," guiding 20 young women in developing leadership skills necessary to achieve their goals. Driven by a vision of empowered women and a thriving community, Royale is committed to scaling So'Intim's impact and amplifying the voices of women in Mali.