Joylin Hamza Kombe

Joylin Hamza Kombe is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar pursuing an MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford and is a member of St Antony’s College.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, concentrating in Development Studies with a minor in Psychology, from the United States International University–Africa. Her academic research explored the role of social enterprises in advancing women’s sustainable development, examining how locally led businesses can create lasting social impact while remaining financially sustainable.

Joylin is the co-founder of REEPads Tanzania, a social enterprise that manufactures reusable menstrual products while creating dignified employment opportunities for women and expanding access to menstrual health education across underserved communities. Through partnerships with local governments, schools, NGOs, tourism stakeholders, and corporate organisations, REEPads works to improve menstrual health outcomes while promoting environmental sustainability and empowering women and girls.

Her interests lie at the intersection of social entrepreneurship, gender equality, sustainable development, and community-led innovation. She is particularly interested in understanding how locally driven initiatives can address complex development challenges and contribute to inclusive, long-term social change across Africa.

At Oxford, Joylin hopes to deepen her understanding of African development and strengthen her research skills. She looks forward to engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives and contributing to research that advances sustainable development across the continent. Through her work, she hopes to generate evidence that informs effective development practice and supports locally led solutions that improve the lives of women and girls.