Modibodi underwear is making a difference in the lives of Laos schoolgirls
As the original global leak-proof apparel brand, Modibodi, is known for its social impact agenda and initiatives, with the desire to create long-term impact that works towards ending period poverty.
What is period poverty?
Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products and education – things that we may take for granted with every time of the month that comes around.
There are numerous factors that contribute to period poverty, including:
- - Lack of education
- - Taboos and stigmas around periods – which can often be linked to cultural practices, poor sanitation infrastructure
- - An inability to access the correct menstrual products due to financial or other circumstances
Period poverty is a global health issue which reinforces gender inequality, increases hardship, and causes people to miss out on education, work, and social activities. To work towards the goal of reducing/ eradicating period poverty globally, Modibodi works with several global partners, including Plan International Australia.
Plan International
In 2022, Plan International Laos distributed Modibodi reusable period underwear to girls in 15 schools in Houn District, Oudomxay Province. More than 2000 female students received the period underwear packs – with each pack containing 5 period pants in a waterproof bag. Recipients of the pants found that, after initial hesitation, they were confident to wear their new pants and feel more comfortable participating in school activities during days they were menstruating.
Twelfth-grade Khmu student, Souvanh Xayaphone has found that Modibodi underwear has also allowed her to save money that would have been spent on single-use products.
"I like Modibodi pants more than normal sanitary pads because they are easy to use, comfortable to wear and cost saving. Every month I spend money around 15,000-25,000 kip ($2-4) to buy sanitary pads.”
Modibodi and Plan International have also taken the time to improve access to sexual reproductive health and rights information, by supporting student clubs in secondary schools.
Souvanh says “Recently, my friend who is a member of the student club also shared accurate information about reproductive health, self-care during periods and explained that it is important to change the pads frequently, at least 3 times a day. I also know now that I can eat any food I like when I have my period "
To read more about Modibodi and Plan International’s work in Laos, please see the full case study attached.
For more information about Plan International, please visit its website here.
