This blog explores how BCHS and TOTM are working together to celebrate International Women’s Day – championing the progress already made while recognising the important work that still lies ahead. As organisations committed to supporting women’s wellbeing, equality and inclusion, BCHS and TOTM are using this moment to spotlight meaningful action: from promoting equality in the workplace to addressing community needs and advancing women’s health.
In this blog, we will look at how targeted, thoughtful interventions can create measurable impact. Together, BCHS and TOTM are demonstrating that progress in women’s health and sustainability is built not only on major initiatives but also on simple, intentional choices that, when scaled, contribute to lasting change.
We will be exploring the following themes:
- Tackling Period Poverty Through Period Product Donations in Kind Direct
- Championing Women’s Health Through Support for Endometriosis UK
- Driving Industry Change Through Advocacy and Safety Reform
- Removing Plastic Waste from Oceans, One Applicator at a Time
- Creating a Fairer Future Through Small, Intentional Actions
Through their shared commitment to menstrual equity, women’s health, sustainability and product safety, BCHS and TOTM are illustrating the power of purposeful partnership – and the role organisations can play in shaping a fairer future for women everywhere.
Tackling Period Poverty Through In-Kind Direct
Menstrual inequity remains a pressing issue across the UK. Research from ActionAid (2023) reveals that 21% of women and people who menstruate – around 2.8 million individuals – struggle to afford essential period products. This financial barrier can lead to missed school or work, unsafe alternatives, or extended product use, all of which pose risk to health, dignity and wellbeing.
TOTM is taking tangible steps to address this through its long-standing partnership with In Kind Direct. By donating stock and powering their Gift-a-Pad Scheme, TOTM enables customers and businesses to purchase a reduced-cost pack of pads that is then donated directly to communities in need – including schools, shelters, charities, and community groups across the UK. More than 200 organisations have already benefitted from these contributions, helping to ensure that essential period care reaches those who need it most.
Championing Women’s Health Through Support for Endometriosis UK
Closing the gender health gap requires investment, awareness, and visibility. As part of TOTM’s long-term commitment to women’s health, TOTM have donated over £100k to Endometriosis UK, helping fund support services, research, and educational resources for those living with this chronic condition. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, impacting around 1.5 million people (Endometriosis UK 2025). Despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood and can take years to diagnose, leaving many without adequate support.
Driving Industry Change Through Advocacy and Safety Reform
Under current UK rules, tampons are treated like ordinary consumer goods, with no required safety regulations. This means other everyday items such as candles and kitchen sponges are subject to far stricter safety testing and regulations than tampons.
A recent investigation by Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) and Pesticide Action Network UK exposed pesticide residues, including glyphosate (a prominent weedkiller), in some conventional tampon brands sold by UK retailers, with concentrations found to be up to 40 times higher than the legal drinking-water limit. Given the absorbent nature of vaginal tissue, these findings have raised serious concerns.
In response, TOTM launched a national petition calling for urgent regulatory reform, including:
- Rigorous pre-market and post-market safety testing
- Transparent ingredient labelling
- Mandatory monitoring of product safety after sale
- Full disclosure of materials used in menstrual products
TOTM are pioneering safety and transparency in their own range. Their tampons, pads and liners are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and contain no toxins, dyes, pesticides, bleach or heavy metals and are clinically tested for irritants. Their unwavering commitment to safety empowers consumers to make informed choices while setting a benchmark for the wider industry.
Removing Plastic Waste from Oceans, One Applicator at a Time
Period care plays a significant role in global plastic waste. TOTM is working in partnership with Plastic Offset, via the Biru Foundation’s plastic collection initiative. TOTM ensures that for every cardboard applicator tampon sold, one plastic applicator is removed from the ocean.
Over the past year, they have removed 11 tonnes of plastic, recovering waste from oceans, rivers, communities, and vulnerable natural areas across Southeast Asia. Through collaborations with Plastic Bank and Plastic Offset combined, TOTM has helped remove the equivalent of more than 19.5 million plastic applicators from the environment. This approach demonstrates the power of small choices – such as selecting a cardboard applicator – to make a measurable, positive impact on the planet.
Creating a Fairer Future Through Small, Intentional Actions
This International Women’s Day, TOTM’s work highlights an important message: big change often starts with small actions. Whether it’s advocating for safer products, donating to communities in need, supporting menstrual health education, or removing plastic waste from oceans, each step contributes to a larger movement for equity, transparency, and sustainability.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, TOTM’s mission serves as a powerful reminder that every action — no matter how small — matters. And when brands commit to purposeful change, the impact reaches far beyond their products.
For more information on TOTM’s product range – Click here
