Swindon & Wiltshire News
13,000 women lifted out of period poverty by Bristol University graduate’s charity
A non-profit acting on period poverty in ten countries has been awarded charity status.
The Pachamama Project is run by 23-year-old Ella Lambert, who started sewing reusable period pads on her kitchen table in the first lockdown whilst a University of Bristol student.
Since then, she has built a global network of 2,000 volunteers who have sewn 100,000 of the colourful Pacha Pads supplying refugees and vulnerable people in ten countries, including Lebanon, Greece, Pakistan and the USA.
Ella launched The Pachamama Project as a non-profit in August 2020 from her home in Chelmsford, Essex. Three years on, and having graduated from the University, Pachamama has been granted UK charity status.
“It is so, so exciting,” said Ella. “I just didn’t think this would ever happen. A few years ago, I had a little lightbulb moment and today we have this beautiful community – it’s really snowballed.
“When we started, we had volunteers who were shielding or feeling isolated and they’ve been able to find a purpose and be part of a world-wide family.
“Three years ago, people weren’t really talking about periods, now it’s on the agenda.”
The Pachamama Project recently began working in Uganda. Pacha Pads – which are washable and can be reused for up to five years – have had positive reviews from those who’ve used them.
Amuge Brenda said: “I appreciate and express my great happiness to The Pachamama Project for providing me with long-lasting pads. I have been suffering but when Pachamama came with the reusable pads, I am now very free even when I am in public.”
Adengo Esther Ruth added: “I used to miss classes some days during my menstruation but now l feel free and comfortable whenever l put on Pachamama’s reusable pads.”
Ella was driven by her own debilitating period pain. She learnt to sew from YouTube so she could help others who were experiencing pain, especially in difficult circumstances.
After graduating with a degree in Spanish from the University of Bristol, she is now full-time on The Pachamama Project.
Ella’s plans include growing Pacha sewing clubs to provide an income for refugees and destigmatise periods in schools.
Volunteer Ruth Smith said: “It’s been amazing and inspiring to be part of this growing team of volunteers. I have loved learning an important life skill, knowing that the pads we make are improving the dignity and hygiene of women in many different communities.”
According to international charity Action Aid: “Period poverty is a global issue affecting those who don’t have access to the safe, hygienic menstrual products they need, and/or who are unable to manage their periods with dignity, sometimes due to community stigma and sanction.”
Ella said: “I’m really excited for the future. When I think about what impact we’ve had in just three years, with no one working on it full-time, I think we could triple our impact.
“We want to eradicate period poverty and eradicate period stigma.”
