Femography by MAS donates over 10,000 reusable period wear products

Advancing a commitment to women’s health and sustainable practices, Femography by MAS embarked on a mission to combat period poverty by donating over 10,000 reusable period wear items to vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka.

Launched in commemoration of International Women’s Day, the initiative seeks to address the critical need for accessible menstrual care and aims to support over 2,000 women from economically disadvantaged communities, nationwide.

Femography also joined hands with the charitable call to action ‘Run For Her’, to distribute reusable period panties, and raise funds and awareness for menstrual health needs.

This initiative not only reflects Femography’s commitment to addressing menstrual health challenges but also underscores its broader mission of social responsibility and innovation.

“We realized that we could make a direct and lasting positive impact. Alleviating period poverty is a fundamentally empowering change for women, and we are proud to help drive progress on this vital cause,” said Pilar Diaz, CEO of Femography by MAS.

Period poverty, a significant yet often overlooked issue, disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide. In Sri Lanka, access to menstrual hygiene products remains a challenge for many due to economic constraints and societal taboos.

Even prior to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, 50 percent of households with menstruating women were unable to afford menstrual pads. This leaves many women and girls at a significant disadvantage, leading to reduced school and work attendance.

According to a study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund, approximately 20 percent of schoolgirls miss school during their menstruation due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products. The repercussions of period poverty extend beyond mere inconvenience, often hindering women’s ability to work, study, and participate fully in society.

Moreover, the environmental impact of disposable sanitary napkins exacerbates this issue. Traditional disposable pads contribute significantly to pollution and landfill waste, posing a severe threat to the environment. Research conducted by the Women’s Environmental Network showed that a single disposable pad can take up to 500 years to decompose, further highlighting the urgency of adopting sustainable menstrual practices.