Unipads meets DriverBen

When Women’s Empowerment Meets Menstrual Dignity

At Unipads, we believe that empowering women begins with providing them the knowledge, confidence, and resources to make informed choices about their lives and health. While our work focuses on advancing menstrual health and hygiene, we are equally inspired by organizations that create opportunities for women to achieve financial independence and break societal barriers.

One such inspiring initiative is DriverBen, a program by Jan Vikas and Azad Foundation in Ahmedabad that trains women from underprivileged backgrounds to become professional drivers.

A Shared Mission

What started with a small group of women learning a non-traditional skill has grown into a powerful movement. Today, DriverBen has empowered hundreds of women to earn livelihoods, support their families, and gain confidence in public spaces.

Recognizing our shared commitment to women’s empowerment, the Unipads team partnered with DriverBen to conduct a menstrual health awareness session with women drivers.

Listening Before Speaking

Before introducing reusable menstrual products, we wanted to understand the realities these women faced during menstruation.

During an interactive session with nearly 50 women drivers, participants openly shared their experiences and challenges. Many worked long shifts and needed menstrual products that were reliable, comfortable, and affordable.

An interesting pattern emerged. Several women used disposable sanitary pads while on duty because they offered protection during long working hours. At home, however, many preferred cloth due to its affordability.

Their choices reflected a common challenge faced by millions of women across India: balancing cost with comfort and protection.

Breaking the Silence Around Menstruation

The session focused on creating a safe space for conversation. Together, we discussed menstrual hygiene, common myths surrounding periods, and the importance of using clean and safe menstrual products.

For many women, menstruation remains a topic rarely discussed openly. Yet when given the opportunity, the participants engaged actively, asking questions and sharing concerns that often go unheard.

These conversations highlighted the need for continued awareness and education alongside access to menstrual products.

Introducing Reusable Menstrual Pads

The women were introduced to Unipads reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable and cost-effective menstrual solution.

Their first reactions were overwhelmingly positive.

Many appreciated the soft cotton fabric, believing it would be comfortable for extended wear. The snap-button fastening system was particularly well received, as it provided a sense of security and reduced concerns about movement or leakage while driving.

The women were curious and practical in their questions:

• How long would the pads last?
• Would they be economical compared to disposable pads?
• How should they be washed and maintained?
• Would they remain hygienic after repeated use?
• Could they provide protection during long workdays?

These questions reflected a genuine interest in finding menstrual solutions that fit their lifestyle and financial realities.

More Than a Product

What stood out during the interaction was not just the interest in reusable pads but the willingness of the women to explore alternatives that could improve their quality of life.

Many participants quickly calculated the potential savings they could achieve by switching from monthly disposable purchases to reusable products. Others were excited about the environmental benefits of generating less waste.

The discussion demonstrated that when women are provided with information and choices, they are fully capable of making decisions that benefit both their health and their finances.

Looking Ahead

Our interaction with DriverBen reinforced an important belief: empowerment is interconnected.

A woman who earns an income gains confidence. A woman who has access to safe menstrual products gains dignity. A woman who is informed about her health gains agency.

Together, these changes create stronger families, healthier communities, and greater opportunities for future generations.

At Unipads, we remain committed to partnering with organizations like DriverBen that are creating meaningful change for women. By combining livelihood opportunities with menstrual health awareness, we can help build a future where every woman has the freedom, confidence, and dignity to thrive.

Because true empowerment begins when women are given both opportunity and choice.