PeriodPreneurs are high potential menstrual health entrepreneurs who share our vision of reducing gender inequity by enabling menstruators to advocate for their needs and reclaim agency over their bodies.
Aspiring PeriodPreneurs leverage our expertise, resources and networks to
Incubate their start-up to solve for a menstrual health and hygiene challenge.
Scale the movement to end menstrual stigma to a new region
Introduce innovative solutions to the menstrual health ecosystem
Introduce a long term institution in the menstrual health ecosystem
“Entrepreneurial solutions are borne out of need, to improve something in your city or community. No one knows if your idea is the ‘next big thing', but you need to try. Trust yourself & don't listen to people say you can't do it.”
Maatri Disha was founded by Ritika Chettri after completing her journey as a Period Fellow of the 2018-19 cohort to encourage awareness of menstrual and sexual reproductive health knowledge and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products in Kalimpong, her hometown. Her start-up focuses on building relationships with local governance, administration, educational institutions, CSOs and other NGOs working with adolescents and teachers in Kalimpong to make menstrual and sexual reproductive health education a key component of the curriculum. Maatri Disha also works with existing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to manufacture and sell cloth pads to encourage sustainable menstruation and economic independence.
Meet the PeriodPrenuer, Ritika
"My goal is to reach a place where men say that menstruation isn’t just a woman's issue. I want Madat Ghar to create those safe spaces for men and menstruators, to get us there."
Madat Ghar was founded in 2017 by Satyam Mishra, a Period Fellow of the 2019-20 cohort. His organisation aims to destigmatise menstruation to improve the quality of life and health of menstruators from low income communities across Madhya Pradesh. Satyam and his team engage multiple stakeholders to create safe spaces to normalise menstruation, from men and community influencers to local government agencies and the private sector.
Meet the PeriodPrenuer, Satyam
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my period! The best part about using the cup is that I don't have to think about leakage anymore and I’ve been able to sleep really well.”
Maya (named changed for anonymity) is a menstruating adolescent in Kalimpong, a small hill station in West Bengal. She was experiencing discomfort during menstruation and was introduced to eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products through a workshop organised by Maatri Disha, founded by Ritika a PeriodPreneur. She shared when she tried inserting the menstrual cup for the first time, it was painful and she was scared. With support and guidance, Maya soon got the hang of it.
