School Girls in Kenya holding up the reusable sanitary pads they've been given

The Pad Project

From local to global: Eradicating period poverty

Period Poverty

Studies in the US, show that almost a quarter of teenagers and around one-third of adults who menstruate struggle to afford period products. This inability to afford period products is a public health concern that affects health, dignity, and the ability to participate fully in work, school and daily life.

Our sustainable solution is a sanitary pad that is both waterproof and reusable. These washable pads are durable, easy to clean, and can last a number of years. Access to these pads allow women to fully participate in the workforce and endure girls’ uninterrupted education, effectively moving closer to ending period poverty.

Breaking the cycle of exploitation

In developing countries girls facing period poverty are dangerously vulnerable to sexual exploitation, often forced to trade sex for essential sanitary supplies and thereby sacrificing their personal safety. We're fighting back with sustainable, reusable pads, giving girls the power to reclaim their futures.

From missed school to early marriage

In developing nations, missed school days often results in girls falling behind. Families dealing with financial hardship often see continuing their education as a waste of money. To lessen the family’s financial burden they remove girls from school and arrange an early marriage. This ends a girl’s opportunity for independence, leads to early motherhood, and ensures the poverty continues.

Get Involved

A sewing machine & a green reusable sanitary pad

There are several ways to support The Pad Project, from sewing pads to donating underwear and fabric.

Join our community of volunteers! We handcraft our pads, and you can too, either individually or in a group. Learn more about the materials and simple steps to get started.

Start Sewing

Your unused fabric and sewing supplies can directly empower girls. Every yard of fabric and spool of thread helps us create sustainable sanitary pads, keeping girls in school.

Donate Sewing Supplies

Underwear is crucial for girls to use our sustainable sanitary pads with dignity and comfort. Donate new underwear to help us provide a complete solution to period poverty.

Donate Underwear