ZHIZHY

Ladies.  Fellow menstruators.  It's time to talk PERIODS.

Periods are a part of the monthly reality of about half of the world's population.  Yet even in the twenty-first century (and in spite of the fantastic + unprecedented discourse on gender fluidity) there is still an astonishingly prevalent cultural discomfort surrounding public discussions of menstruation.   Whether it stems from social customs, a lack of knowledge on the subject, or popular culture deeming vaginal bleeding 'dirty' ' or even ' 'taboo', women's life-giving cycles and vaginal health are mostly left out of public dialogue.  There have been so few advancements in supporting women's monthly flow that pretty much every biologically female woman has an embarrassing spill-story surrounding their period.   Worse than that, however - tampons and pads are an on-going expense that are used once before ending up in landfill.  

Thankfully there are now some alternatives that offer more natural, biodegradable options as well as the menstrual cup (a reusable soft cup that is inserted into the vagina, fills with blood and then is emptied).  However, for most women around the world their monthly periods are met with derision, discomfort, prejudice and exclusion due to a lack of access to affordable sanitary products.

THINX co-founder and CEO Miki Agrawal is encouraging discussion surrounding the cultural taboo surrounding menstruation and access to key women's health resources.  

With every THINX underwear purchase, one pack of washable, reusable AFRIpads sanitary pads are donated to a young woman in Uganda.   AFRIpads is based in Uganda and employs 130 workers in four factories who create affordable, reusable sanitary pads to enable young women to confidently attend school during their menstrual cycle.

So let's talk THINX

THINX has developed six styles of underwear that can support up to the same amount of menstrual fluid as 2 x tampons.  No more embarrassing leaks and unlike most sanitary products, they are washable and re-usable.  They can be used on their own or replace the back-up pad worn with a tampon or menstrual cup.  

Thus far, online reviews of THINX have been very positive now that their original sizing has been modified for a truer fit.  They are sold in black and nude colours.  There is literally no reason to hold on to your staple old period panties (we've all got some of those).