Lilypads an Edinburgh-based startup for good, believe that no one should be limited by their period. They have been working for the last 2 years to revolutionise the standard period pad by making it super absorbent yet comfy and discreet. Sales of this pad sponsor pads to communities internationally where access is limited. Since launching in October 2020 they have been able to donate pads to 3 different communities in Cambodia, Uganda and Kenya.
Making a stand against inequality they argue that period products have lacked the innovation they deserve due to inequality.
One of the founders Alison Wood stated; ‘we believe that people with periods should not have to compromise comfort, cost or sustainability. Everyone deserves access to a product which works for them’.
Lilypads range of pads and liners are comfortable, thin and absorbent. They can be used alone, at night, as a backup to a tampon or cup or for urine leaks.
On top of their innovation Lilypads are a company with a mission. Lilypads began their journey in rural Kenya where they discovered that a lack of access to period products was leading to unequal opportunity and endangering the lives of young women. For very pack of pads they sell in the UK they are able to sponsor a pack to a community where access si limited.
Mhairi Cochrane a founder of Lilypads stated; ‘A period day is not a day like any other for many women around the world. When discovering the prevalence of period poverty around the world in University we began to brainstorm solutions. We were driven to create change which would last. Our mission to ensure no one is limited by their period lies at the heart of everything we do’.
Lilypads now work with communities around the world setting up community led and driven initiatives providing access to products and menstrual health education. But that is not all. They also recognize the inequalities present within UK schools. Lilypads now run puberty and periods education programmes across schools in Edinburgh and Liverpool. The aim of these programmes is to challenge gender equality in a safe and fun environment.
Mhairi noted the impact that lockdown has had on their education: “Lilypads worked within schools last year, of course over the last few months that has become a struggle. We were determined to remain engaged with young people and ensure that the information and education regarding periods and puberty remained accessible. In lockdown, many young people may be facing questions about their bodies, about growing up, or about periods and may not feel comfortable approaching people in their home. Education surrounding these topics should not be overlooked and we have aimed to put our content online and on social media channels to remain engaged with Scottish students.
Find out more: www.lilypads.org.uk
