Brands that Champion Women on International Women's Day and Persistently
Here's a fresh take on the article:
Cheers to International Women's Day! Every March 8th, we gather to honor the women in our lives and take a stand against gender bias in the workplace and beyond. Yet, despite our fierce hustle, there's still ground to cover before we truly rule the world.
This year's IWD theme is "smashing stereotypes," but how are real women harnessing their talents to create a more equal, inclusive world when it comes to well-being?
Let's not make IWD just about a day of sales or token appreciation. True progress against gender bias requires every single one of the 365 days. So, how are these six women-led and women-owned wellness brands making an impact?
The Honey Pot Co: Embracing Vulnerability
After battling bacterial vaginosis, entrepreneur Beatrice Dixon founded The Honey Pot Co., a black-owned and women-led menstrual care company that offers plant-based vaginal care products. Each year the company donates 2 percent of its sales to organizations providing "access, connection, kindness, and education" (yup, CAKE) to those with vaginas. Through partnerships with Day for Girls, The Honey Pot Co. supports menstrual care and education worldwide. Proceeds from their "We're All Pink On The Inside" keychain are also donated to Days For Girls.
Dixon notes that "wellness and empowerment are paramount to creating a more accepting world." She believes that we must "destigmatize versus what we need to destigmatize" together, emphasizing the importance of taking up space, living confidently in our bodies, and advocating for the health of those with vaginas.
Cora: Ending Period Poverty
Cora, founded by Molly Hayward, aims to create a sustainable line of period products and give back to those affected by period poverty. With every purchase of items like period underwear, cups, or tampons, you provide a month's supply of period products to those lacking access. Since its inception five years ago, Cora has donated over 12 million period supplies and supported nearly 1.5 million girls in the United States, Kenya, and India. In 2020, Cora made sure that 75 percent of U.S. donations went to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Kegg: Championing Women's Health Censorship
Kegg, a femtech company lead by Kristina Cahojova, uses high-tech solutions for cycle tracking with an insertable fertility tracker and kegel ball that senses cervical fluid data. Kegg also fights against social media censorship of women's health content. Cahojova has gathered signatures from over 80 women's health founders, including The Honey Pot and Cora, on a petition to stop this pervasive issue.
"It's pure madness that women's health products are unfairly censored. We shouldn't fear discussing women's reproductive health in public!" says Cahojova.
Saalt: Advocating for Menstrual Health
Under the leadership of CEO and co-founder Cherie Hoeger, Saalt has made menstrual cups mainstream. Saalt champions menstrual health by donating 2 percent of its sales to organizations that help women and girls lacking access to education and menstrual products. In 2021, the company donated over 14,000 cups and 800 period underwear across 23 countries, ensuring that girls in Nepal and Togo could attend more school.
Jecca Blac: Breaking Beauty Boundaries
Jecca Blac, founded by former film and TV makeup artist Jecca Blac, is challenging the stigma surrounding makeup for all. It's all about #MakeupHasNoGender. The brand offers vegan and cruelty-free products tailored to the needs of trans women while providing tutorials for makeup beginners. Blac regularly donates to causes supporting trans women in the UK.
Third Love: Removing Barriers for Comfortable Bras
Established by Heidi Zak and David Spector, Third Love offers a diverse range of bra sizes to cater to those with various body types. As the largest undergarment donor in the United States, Third Love partners with organizations like I Support the Girls, Soles4Souls, Good360, and St. Anthony's to donate millions of products to uplift women. Additionally, the brand offers a 15 percent discount to military personnel, veterans, medical professionals, first responders, and teachers.
So this International Women's Day, let's not just talk the talk. Support these women-led brands that are helping to level the playing field every day of the year.
- Other women's health and female health are at the forefront of The Honey Pot Co's mission, which donates to organizations providing education, access, and care for those with vaginas.
- Female health conversations are being censored on social media, a problem that Kegg feminine tech company is working to remedy.
- The importance of wellness and empowerment in creating an accepting world is emphasized by Beatrice Dixon, founder of The Honey Pot Co.
- Third Love aims to remove barriers for comfortable bras and is the largest undergarment donor in the United States, partnering with organizations to uplift women.
