New Initiative Combats Period Taboo

Being a woman is difficult. We have to deal with periods, for one thing. What makes it even more annoying for us is that, when it comes to tampons, we are kept in the dark about what these products are actually made of.
Unbelievably, tampon brands are not legally required to disclose their ingredients. This is somewhat frustrating because, they tend to include pesticides, chemicals and dyes, and surely we have a right to know about this?
This is about to change, because for the first time ever, Fashion Revolution has joined forces with organic cotton period-care range Freda to bring greater transparency to the femcare sector and transform the way period care products are sourced, produced, and purchased.
Fashion Revolution is a global movement advocating greater transparency, sustainability and ethics. In its work it has attracted more than 1,000 brands and retailers (including ASOS, Levi’s and Burberry) and it is now running a #whatsinmytampon campaign in a bid to make positive changes to this health care segment.
Since the Fashion Revolution foundation in 2013, brands, retailers, distributors and wholesalers have demonstrated their commitment to ethical production by sharing the stories of their makers, farmers and producers in response to the question #whomademyclothes, and publishing information clearly and publically about their company’s social and environmental impact.
This ties into the tampon movement that is currently underway. This has been arranged with Freda, a brand aimed specifically at the modern woman who is both health- and socially-conscious.
Freda specialises in the production of tampons made from 100% naturally-absorbent, breathable, hypoallergenic organic cotton. These particular products have been made for enhanced protection and comfort and are free from the chemicals and synthetic fibres found elsewhere, making them kinder to the user as well as the environment.
What makes Freda stand out is its online subscription service, which allows ladies to select their own combination of products and absorbencies based on their period, and its period tracker syncs the delivery of the chosen products to the individual’s cycle.
The purpose of Freda is to break down period taboos, and this can be kick-started with this movement held in accordance with Fashion Revolution. The plan is to openly discuss this topic and tackle the period poverty on a wider scale by getting involved with important initiatives.
Freda founder Affi Parvizi-Wayne says: “Across fashion, beauty, and food, consumers are seeking greater transparency, but when it comes to femcare, many of us are still buying the same products on auto-pilot. In being honest about the ingredients and manufacture of our products, we’re equipping women with the knowledge they need to make an informed choice about the products they buy and the companies they support.”
Heather Knight, Communications Director at Fashion Revolution added: “Like us, Freda and their customers care about the provenance of their products and want to make a positive difference. I think there’s great synergy! Fashion Revolution works to advocate for positive change in how our clothes – and now period care – are made, and to celebrate those who are on a journey to create a safer, cleaner, and fairer future.”
To find out more about this forward-thinking campaign please visit myfreda.com and fashionrevolution.org.
Go on girl!
> Hannah Montgomery