Pads for Grads Dignity and The

The Organization strives to impact period poverty in the United States. In 2019, research conducted by the Organization in conjunction with Saint Louis University confirmed the presence of substantial period poverty in the community. Based on this research, the Organization began a US-based program focusing on the distribution of kits containing 4 washable, reusable menstrual pads(equivalent of 240 disposable pads each kit) to schools, libraries, food pantries and other collaborating organizations throughout the US. The Organization also is developing educational material to be distributed with the kits, that provides instruction on the use of pads, addresses the biology of menstruation and debunks taboos and misinformation which are prevalent concerning menstruation. In 2023, the Organization reached approximately 15,000 individuals through the U.S.-based program, providing them with sustainable pad kits to meet their menstrual hygiene needs for at least 12 months.

Programs have been established to impact period poverty around the globe by improving access to accurate menstrual information and distributing high-quality washable/reusable menstrual hygiene products. Since the Organization started its programs, it has reached over 350,000 students and distributed over 166,000 menstrual hygiene kits in Ethiopia (the equivalent of almost 40 million disposable menstrual hygiene products). The Ethiopian program is carried out in collaboration with the College of Health Services at Mekelle University in the Tigray Region, along with a private company located in the city of Mekelle, the Mariam Seba Sanitary Products Factory. The Organization continues to work toward dispelling false notions and cultural myths about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. The Organization also works in partnership with Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital to supply menstrual hygiene kits to post-partum women.