IWD2024 In Review - LUÜNA partners with leading organizations to close the gender health gap and eradicate period poverty in Hong Kong

The UN Women IWD theme for 2024 was ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress’. This year, LUÜNA put a formula in place to drive sustainable social development for all. Here’s how it worked.

In the Workplace: Organizations invited LUÜNA to deliver our Closing the Gender Health Gap workshop in which we explored practical strategies and ways to address the unique health needs of women at work to promote inclusivity. 

Within the Community: For every workshop we hosted, we allocated a portion of revenue to fund the distribution of menstrual cups and period health education content to members of the migrant domestic workers community in Hong Kong, supported by charity partner Exchange & Empower.

Thank you to the organizations that invited us to deliver our sessions to their employees and helped us fund our community impact program:

• Cathay Pacific
• Barclays Bank
• Matilda International Hospital
• ESF Hillside School
• Island School
• Qeelin
• Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP
• Lee Kum Kee
• Combine Will
• Mayer Brown
• Bank of Singapore

Community Impact Outcomes:

Our IWD2024 partners allowed us to exceed our goal of supporting 30 individuals, instead funding the provision of LUÜNA menstrual cups to 50 migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong through our charity partner, Exchange and Empower.

Why menstrual cups for Exchange and Empower?

Hong Kong’s vibrant trail running scene offers ample opportunities for traversing breath-taking routes and partaking in memorable races. But, these opportunities are out of reach for people who cannot afford the gear, race entries, transport and other expenses - despite their athletic potential. Exchange and Empower addresses this need head on by recognising women with great trail running capabilities and supporting their passion for the sport through targeted training programmes and financial support.

Considering that trail running takes you to remote locations for extended periods of time, LUÜNA understands that these women often face situations where they can not adequately manage their period while out on the trails. This means missed training sessions, races and missed chances to excel at least once a month (when they are on their periods). That’s why LUÜNA has supported this project with menstrual cups (rather than organic cotton period care).

Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours (depending on a person’s flow) before they need to be emptied. Made from medical grade silicone, they are soft, often more comfortable to wear during physical activity and can last for up to 5 years before needing replacement. For trail runners, wearing menstrual cups enables longer, more comfortable runs and sustainable periods in nature’s playground.

Moreover, for individuals with financial challenges, a period product that can be used for over 5 years provides a financially sustainable solution to menstrual health management.

Why menstrual education - especially around menstrual cups - is crucial:

Isn’t this something everyone learned at school? Actually, no! And, LUÜNA community education is far from a biology lesson.

The menstrual cup distribution included an educational community workshop establishing a safe environment where every individual experience of menstruation is different and valid. We shared practical information on how to practice self care, recognise when to seek medical advice and how to address destructive social attitudes driving menstrual stigma. Topped off with a ‘how-to’ on menstrual cups and a shame-free space for loads of Q&A, people left feeling empowered and positive about their menstrual health.

Circling back to sustainable social impact:

Though creating value for social sustainability in the workplace is crucial, it can be so much more - so much more meaningful, so much more rewarding and so much more impactful. When we look up from our laptops and seek opportunities to combine resources, collaborate efforts and leverage networks, we can authentically answer the UN’s call for well-being, a prosperous economy and a healthy planet.

Want to be involved with our mission to eradicate inequities created by menstruation? And drive menstrual equity in your school or workplace? Contact us to be part of our next initiative.