Our Story
Free Pads for India is the first and only non-profit organisation created by 3 non-menstruators to eradicate period poverty. We have been redefining period culture for India’s next generation since 2021. Our goal is to equip every young menstruator with the care, education, and confidence they need to safely manage their periods and break the current cycle of stigma and neglect. By providing essential period supplies, such as free sustainable sanitary pads, and equipping individuals with knowledge about effective period management, we strive to ignite empowerment and dignify menstruation.
Today, we currently adopt over 2000 menstruators below the poverty line in India, in cities such as Kanpur, Mumbai and Coorg. We recognise and value every menstruator as an individual, not just a statistic to be helped once and then forgotten. That’s why we adopt menstruators and supply them with reusable pads, sustaining our support over time. Period safety should be a basic right, and we are striving to fulfill this right to all of India. It’s time to end period poverty. It’s time to make a change. This change starts with you.
“Give one pack of pads and you’ve cared for a month; teach menstrual freedom and you’ll care for a lifetime.”
Our Story...
2021
Founded by 3 non-menstruators
The beginning of Free Pads for India. 3 non-menstruators were inspired to break the pattern of period stigma and support menstruators to live a life of dignity and comfort.
Jun 2021
Lounch of our first drive
We held our first drive in Datani Park, Mumbai, successfully adopting our first 34 menstruators.
Jul 2021
Made our first partner - Humari Umeed
Within a month, we made our first partner - Humari Umeed Foundation. This NGO works in Mumbai, making a difference for the lives of young people.
Aug 2022
Gained Our 50th Volunteer
In less than a year of launching FPI, we hit an encouraging volunteer milestone, securing our 50th volunteer.
Jun 2023
Expansion - 100th adaptee at our 17th drive
Just under two years after our 1st drive, we adopted our 1000th menstruator at drive number 17.
Dec 2024
Introduction of own branded reusable pads
We introduced our own branded reusable pads. These are delivered in FPI branded pouches, and contain 2 reusable pads. This will ultimately help to reduce the 113000 tonnes of menstrual waste produced by India every year.
From humble beginnings, to happy endings!
What started as a simple idea just three years ago has since grown into a compassionate charity, supporting over 2,000 menstruators across India - yet our goal has always remained the same. We strive to support those who need it most, freeing India of its period poverty through accessible, reusable, and safe menstrual care. Without our aid, thousands of menstruators are left with little understanding of their period, unsafe sanitary substitutes, and feelings of undignified shame. Together, we can help raise awareness of period poverty, breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation for India’s next generation.
Click the video to find out more.
What we do...
Provide
To supply reusable pads to menustators below the poverty line.
Adopt
Our reusable pads ensure continuous support to uplift an entire generation out of period poverty.
Educate
To start period conversation, preach period positivity and break the cycle of stigma.
What have we helped?
Since our first drive in 2021, we have been adopting more and more menstruators across India. So far, our most adopted cities are:
Past and upcoming events
Why not donate towards our upcoming drives? Your generous contributions supports…
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