At its core, a simple yet universal biological process has long been a source of anxiety, shame, and a significant barrier to opportunity for millions. In response to this profound social challenge, a revolutionary social enterprise has emerged from the UK to transform a basic necessity into a powerful engine for change. Hey Girls CIC, founded in 2018 by Celia Hodson and her daughters, was born from a deeply personal experience of period poverty and a singular, unwavering vision: to eradicate this issue and champion period dignity for all. Their innovative and now globally recognized business model is brilliantly simple: for every Hey Girls product purchased, an equivalent product is donated to a person in need. This direct, transparent link between consumer action and social impact has made Hey Girls a formidable force, turning every customer into a vital partner in the fight against period poverty.
The genesis of Hey Girls is rooted in the Hodson family's own struggles. Celia, a single mother, faced the heartbreaking reality of having to choose between buying food for her family and affording period products for her daughters. This firsthand experience of the financial and emotional toll of period poverty instilled in them an authentic and unshakeable resolve to ensure that no one else would have to face such a choice. This founding story is not just a marketing narrative; it is the living ethos of the organization, imbuing it with a level of empathy and drive that is immediately apparent in all its endeavors. As a result, Hey Girls is more than a company; it is a movement led by people who intimately understand the problem they are striving to solve. The "buy one, give one" model is the mechanism through which this empathy is monetized for social good, creating a sustainable and scalable solution that has, to date, delivered tens of millions of donated products to communities in need.
The heart of Hey Girls' operation lies in its extensive range of high-quality, eco-friendly period products. The organization rightly understands that dignity is tied to both access and choice. Consequently, their product line is deliberately diverse, catering to a wide spectrum of needs and preferences. Their offerings include disposable menstrual pads and tampons made from sustainable bamboo, as well as a robust selection of reusable products, such as menstrual cups, period pants, and washable pads. This commitment to variety ensures that individuals can find a product that is not only effective and healthy for their bodies but also aligns with their values.
For instance, their disposable products are thoughtfully crafted from sustainable bamboo, free from the chlorine and bleach commonly found in mainstream alternatives. This focus on natural, chemical-free materials is a powerful statement about their commitment to user health and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, their innovative reusable product line is a testament to their forward-thinking approach. Through initiatives like their recent partnership with Yorkshire Water, Hey Girls has distributed thousands of reusable period packs to schools, accompanied by educational roadshows. This initiative serves a dual purpose: it provides a sustainable, long-term solution for young people while also educating them on the environmental impact of single-use plastics and the financial benefits of reusables. By providing these options, Hey Girls empowers individuals to make informed decisions that are better for their wallets, their health, and the planet.
The genius of the Hey Girls model is its simplicity and transparency. For every product purchased by a customer—whether an individual online, a business, or a public sector body—an identical product is donated. This direct transaction fuels a massive and efficient distribution network. To date, Hey Girls has reached a monumental milestone, having donated over 42 million period products since its founding. This impressive number is not just a statistic; it represents millions of instances where a person has been given the comfort, security, and dignity to attend school, go to work, or simply live their life without the added stress of managing their period with inadequate or unsanitary materials.
This vast network of giving is made possible through a collaboration with over 400 community partners, including food banks, homeless shelters, youth groups, and schools. Hey Girls ensures that the donated products reach the people who need them most, often through discreet and respectful channels. The model fundamentally restructures the relationship between business and charity, making every customer an active participant in a collective act of social good.
Hey Girls' impact extends far beyond the provision of physical products. The organization is a tireless advocate for period dignity and education, working to dismantle the stigma and shame that have long surrounded menstruation. They are a vocal champion for policy change, playing a pivotal role in lobbying efforts that led to Northern Ireland passing its Free Period Products Bill. This legislative success is a testament to their influence and their commitment to systemic change.
Their awareness-raising campaigns are both creative and bold. One notable campaign, "UNsanitary," was a powerful collaboration with adam&eveDDB and The Big Issue. The campaign created a range of fake, but disturbingly realistic, product packages filled with unsanitary items like socks and newspaper to highlight the desperate measures some people are forced to take. This provocative approach succeeded in grabbing public attention and galvanizing support for the cause. Likewise, their "Pads4Dads" campaign provides a toolkit for parents and guardians, empowering them to talk confidently with their children about periods. By providing both the products and the conversations needed to address the issue, Hey Girls is fostering a more open and understanding society.
The "Period Dignity" campaign, furthermore, is a central plank of their advocacy. It encourages businesses, local authorities, and other organizations to provide free and accessible period products in all washrooms—including male, female, and accessible facilities. This initiative is about more than just convenience; it's about making a profound statement about inclusion and equality in the workplace and in public spaces. Partnerships with public sector bodies like the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and local councils across the UK demonstrate the growing success of this campaign, ensuring that dignity and basic needs are met without barriers.
In conclusion, Hey Girls CIC is a truly exceptional social enterprise that has woven its core values into every facet of its operation. From its origins in a single mother’s kitchen to its status as a major national force, the organization has consistently demonstrated that a business can be a powerful engine for social change. By providing high-quality, eco-friendly products and leveraging a brilliant "buy one, give one" model, Hey Girls has not only tackled the logistical challenge of period poverty but has also courageously confronted the social stigma that surrounds it.
The company’s impact is measured not just in the millions of products donated but in the countless lives it has touched, the dignity it has restored, and the conversations it has initiated. As they continue to innovate with new products and educational campaigns, Hey Girls is paving the way for a future where access to period products is a given, not a struggle. Their success is a powerful reminder that with a clear vision, a sustainable model, and a great deal of heart, it is possible to build a business alongside community partners that not only thrives but also makes the world a better, fairer, and more dignified place for all.
