A group of enterprising young women have been awarded a prestigious business prize for their innovative approach to tackling period poverty on a global scale. Sarah Bailey, Aurusha Kharas, and Anushka Mahesh, all aged 22, have developed period underwear that costs only £4, in stark contrast to the typical price of £27. Their company, The Even Project, has already garnered 44,000 pre-orders from NGOs, refugee camps, and humanitarian organisations ahead of its launch in March 2025. The trio recently received £15,000 as one of the winners of the Santander X UK Awards 2024.
“We are very much accidental entrepreneurs,” remarked Sarah Bailey. The trio initially focused on grassroots advocacy to encourage more affordable period products but pivoted to creating their own solution due to the lack of progress in the industry. The reusable underwear is designed to be cost-effective with low manufacturing expenses, a universal size, and a single-colour option. Functioning like regular underwear, the period pants have additional fabric layers that can absorb up to 50ml of liquid and can be easily cleaned by hand or in a washing machine.
The innovative product aims to support women affected by crises worldwide while also addressing period inequality closer to home in the UK. The Santander X UK Awards have a long-standing history of supporting British start-ups and SMEs, providing over £1 million in funding over the years. Among the other winners at the awards ceremony was Tom Scrope, whose enterprise, Soli Benchmark, is set to revolutionise UK agriculture by combining AI and data analytics to promote sustainable farming practices.
The judging panel for the event included notable figures such as Gary Neville and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. Neville praised the entrepreneurs for their passion and dedication, highlighting the abundance of talent within the UK start-up scene. Mike Regnier, CEO of Santander UK, extended his congratulations to all six winners, recognising their exceptional contributions to their respective industries. The success of The Even Project serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against period poverty, showcasing how innovation and determination can drive meaningful change on a global scale.
In a world where period poverty remains a pressing issue, the emergence of affordable and sustainable solutions like The Even Project’s period underwear signifies a step in the right direction. By prioritising accessibility and affordability, these young entrepreneurs are not only transforming the menstrual health landscape but also empowering women worldwide. As the business continues to grow and make a positive impact, it sets a powerful example for budding entrepreneurs and advocates alike, demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions to drive social change and address critical issues.