by Alexandra Thurmond, Teen Vogue
Photo: Courtesy of THINX
It's the time of month many of us dread, but menstruation is just a part of life. We're fortunate enough to have access to feminine hygiene products (and Midol!), that allow us to go about our everyday lives when our period comes, but for many other girls and women around the world, that is not the case. In Uganda, it was reported that some girls miss up to 11 percent of their academic year because of their periods, which can have a major impact on their studies. But this new line of undies was designed to change that, and combat the stigma surrounding menstruation here and abroad.
Developed by three women, twin sisters Radha and Miki Agrawal and friend Antonia Dunbar, THINX are self-absorbing underwear, that eliminate the need for pads or tampons. They developed a patented technology that absorbs and contains moisture, and comes in three different styles depending on how heavy your flow is. Once you've worn them, just throw them into the washing machine and they're good as new.
"I want to change the culture around women's most normal time of month--and not while wearing grandma panties or pads that feel like a diaper," founder Miki Agrawal told Forbes. They also want to help women in developing nations who do not have access to sanitary products and suffer from the shame surrounding the topic. They've teamed up with AFRIpads, a non-governmental organization based in Uganda, that makes and distributes washable, reusable pads to women in need. For every pair of panties sold, THINX donates the cost equivalent of seven pads to the organization, who distributes them in the country so that women and girls can continue going to school and work.
THINX has already raised millions of dollars in funding and have plans to expand their business, with hopes of disrupting the multibillion-dollar feminine hygiene products industry. Saving the women of the planet, one pair of panties at a time.
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