One young girl we met, Kalkidan, who shared the same age as my daughter, left a lasting impression on me with her aspirations to become a teacher, highlighting the urgency of addressing this easily solvable issue. Ethiopia's lack of coastal access complicates the logistics of delivering aid, making it prohibitively expensive, thus highlighting the need for a sustainable solution to this growing problem.
Upon returning, we dedicated ourselves to finding a lasting solution, leading to shocking discoveries:
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Global Period Poverty: Over 40% of women worldwide, including those in developed countries like the UK and USA, face period poverty, highlighting the significant economic burden of purchasing disposable sanitary products.
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Health Risks from Disposable Products: Disposable sanitary products contain harmful synthetic materials such as rayon dioxin, metal dyes, and processed wood pulp, which are linked to allergies, infections, inflammation, and potentially carcinogenic effects, including Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
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Environmental Damage: The environmental impact of disposable sanitary products is profound, with up to 90% plastic content making them non-biodegradable, leading to ocean pollution and posing threats to wildlife and ecosystems.
Driven by these findings, our mission has been to create a healthy, sustainable, cost-effective, and enduring solution for females worldwide. After years of research and development, we aim to keep young women in school without the stigma or embarrassment associated with menstruation. My 12-year-old daughter now confidently wears Trendix Period Briefs to school, prepared for her period without fear or surprise. We envision a world where every girl and woman can experience this freedom