Noëlle Demole

The widespread advantages of diversity and gender parity in leadership and decision-making are becoming more widely acknowledged in many domains, as women are being identified as strong agents of change. It has also become evident that the advancement of gender justice and equality, as well as the advancement of social, political, and economic advancement for all, depends on women holding positions of leadership and decision-making at all levels. There’s never been a stronger argument for balancing the power dynamics in leadership: increasing the number of women in positions of decision-making is good for communities, businesses, and politics. 

Noëlle Demole exemplifies this transformative power. Through her tireless work, including founding EGIDAYS, she has significantly impacted both corporate and social sectors. Her efforts have earned her recognition as one of The Most Emerging Women Leaders of the Year 2024, showcasing her commitment to gender equality and her role as a trailblazer in women’s leadership.

A Journey through Academia and Advocacy

Originally from Geneva, Noëlle had an exceptional upbringing in both Montreal and Switzerland, and was exposed to a wide range of cultures and developed a strong appreciation for variety. Her foreign education and many travels have fostered her versatility and open-mindedness, where her morals and feeling of responsibility were greatly influenced by her family.

Noëlle started her academic career at the EU Business School in Geneva, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in international relations. She then went on to Columbia University to earn a master’s degree in negotiation and conflict resolution, and the Harvard Negotiation Institute for executive education.

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminology at the University of Cambridge, Noëlle conducts research on global organized crime, focusing on human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Her TEDx talk, “Dancing with Danger,” highlighted the importance of creativity and resilience in overcoming challenges.

Noëlle works as a Client Due Diligence Expert at Bank Julius Baer, where she specializes in thwarting the funding of terrorism and white-collar crime. In Addition to her other achievements, Noëlle is well-known in the Indian Subcontinent for establishing Shere Khan Youth Protection, which offers over 400 underprivileged children and adults educational help in the hopes of fostering financial independence and better futures.

Towards Egidays

Noëlle Demole’s perseverance and dedication to bringing about social change are shown by her path to founding EGIDAYS. Motivated by personal hardship, she used her experiences to make a significant contribution to menstrual hygiene and health in Switzerland. Her goal was to challenge social taboos around menstruation by making period care as accessible as toilet paper, which gave rise to EGIDAYS. Also, her dedication to make this all about real change, is clearly visible through the dispensers, which, equipped with an anti-theft system, offer organic cotton tampons and pads.

As the Founder and CEO

Noëlle Demole, the sole showrunner of EGIDAYS, is fully engaged in all aspects of the operation of a successful company. EGIDAYS is guided in this direction by her establishment of an overall anticipated trajectory, while she maintains the organization’s fundamental principles. In addition to supervising the primary product, she actively collaborates with designers and manufacturers to develop period product dispensers of exceptional quality. She is a diligent participant in the branding, sales, operations, and financial planning processes. “I am committed to building a positive and inclusive work environment as EGIDAYS expands, and my dedication to menstrual health and hygiene is all displayed in my passion for creating innovative solutions and making a positive societal impact”, Noëlle shares.

Mastering Dual Roles

Balancing her responsibilities at EGIDAYS with her role at Bank Julius Bär is a top priority for Noëlle Demole. She prioritizes her full-time work at the bank, ensuring she meets all responsibilities efficiently. Outside office hours, she dedicates her time to EGIDAYS, working during lunch breaks, evenings, weekends, and holidays. For Noëlle, work is an integral part of life, and she finds fulfillment in both roles through strategic time management and unwavering dedication.

In the Days to Come

When we personally asked Noëlle to elaborate on what she looks forward to achieving in the days to come for Egidays, she shared – “Over the next five to ten years, I envision Egidays evolving into a leading provider of menstrual health solutions, making significant strides towards our mission of promoting menstrual hygiene and accessibility, first in Switzerland, and then internationally”. Through this elaborate conversation she explained the company’s immediate plan which is on developing the Egy Model 1, which will be Switzerland’s 2^nd generation free menstrual dispenser. This innovative dispenser will offer organic tampons and pads, setting a new standard for menstrual hygiene products in the country. The Egy Model 1 will be equipped with cutting-edge features, including a built-in timer to prevent theft and ensure accessibility for all (also Swiss designed by highly qualified engineers). “This unique functionality will set us apart from existing solutions and enhance the user experience”, Noëlle exclaimed.

Furthermore, to fuel their growth and innovation, Noëlle looks forward to raising Egidays’ first seed round by pitching their idea to investors by the end of 2024, whose funds will be used on deploying The Egy Model 1. And Noëlle is particularly keen on having Egidays installed in all public bathrooms across the country, ensuring widespread access to free period products for all menstruators, and at the same time, attempting to change the way Swiss people look at menstruations as well. “With a strong foothold in Switzerland, we will explore opportunities for international expansion by the end of 2025 most probably”, the Founder and CEO of Egidays concluded.

On a Personal Note

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Noëlle Demole enjoys a variety of hobbies that contribute to her personal growth and well-being. She practices boxing to stay fit and build resilience, and she has a passion for freediving with sharks, whales, and orcas, allowing her to connect with marine life. Growing up in Switzerland, skiing has always been a significant part of her life. She loves salsa dancing for its social and creative aspects and is currently training for the Mont Blanc summit, which challenges her physically and mentally. Caring for her white shepherd, Leon, and running with him helps her relax and stay active. She also enjoys organizing movie nights with friends and swimming in the lake, a practice she learned from her mother. These diverse activities help Noëlle maintain a balanced and fulfilling life, enabling her to stay energized and focused on her professional and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Advancing Menstrual Equity

Noëlle Demole is optimistic about the future of the broader movement for menstrual equity, which is gaining significant momentum worldwide. In Switzerland and beyond, important conversations and debates are unfolding regarding various aspects of menstrual equity. These discussions include the prominence of providing women with menstrual leave to address the impact of menstrual pain and discomfort on productivity and well-being. Some countries and companies are beginning to implement such policies. Additionally, there is a growing push for free access to period products in public spaces globally, including schools, universities, workplaces, and other facilities, aiming to eradicate period poverty.

The demand for organic and safer alternatives, such as organic cotton, has increased as a result of the growing awareness of the health hazards associated with conventional menstrual products. Countries are also reevaluating taxes on menstrual products to make them more affordable by recognizing them as essential items rather than luxury commodities. In an effort to guarantee educational access for all students, legislative initiatives and experimental projects in numerous countries are designed to mandate the use of free-period products in schools.

Noëlle Demole sees the present moment in Switzerland as a distinctive opportunity with significant potential for the development and implementation of solutions for reproductive equity. She is of the opinion that Egidays can play a critical role in this movement. She is a fervent proponent of universal access to menstrual products, underscoring the significance of addressing period poverty on a global scale through Egidays. Shere Khan Youth Protection, an NGO established in 2018, receives approximately 10% of Egidays’ revenue to provide financial assistance to students, a reflection of her dedication to social impact.