Episode Summary

In this powerful episode of The Uncaged Pod, Jess sits down with Ella Lambert, founder of The Pachamama Project—a grassroots movement tackling period poverty around the world. What started in lockdown with a borrowed sewing machine and YouTube tutorials has now become a global network of nearly 2,500 volunteers who have made and distributed over 160,000 reusable period pads, reaching almost 20,000 women and girls across 11 countries.

Ella opens up about her own struggles with period pain and the stigma around menstruation, and how those experiences inspired her to take action. Together, Jess and Ella dive into:

The devastating impact of period poverty, from missed school days to lost work opportunities.
The challenges of providing menstrual health support in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine.
The stigma and myths surrounding periods across different cultures.
How a small idea turned into a movement of empowerment and dignity.
The Pachamama Project’s ambitious future plans—from expanding pad distribution to launching new programs for asylum seekers and youth-led social entrepreneurship.

This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a call to action.

✨ Call to Action — How YOU Can Help ✨

🌍 Volunteer

Got a sewing machine? YOU can help make pads from home. No commitment, just impact. Join thousands already changing lives.

💸 Donate

It takes just £10 (around $13) to provide someone with pads that last five years. That’s less than two cups of coffee to lift someone out of period poverty. Donate today → www.thepachamamaproject.org

📢 Spread Awareness

Talk about period poverty. Share this episode. Post on social media. Conversations break stigma.

📲 Follow & Engage

Stay connected with The Pachamama Project on Instagram & Facebook: @thepachamamaproject

🤝 Fundraise

Host an event, run a challenge, or rally your workplace to support. Every action counts.

Together, we can end period poverty.

Powerful Quotes

"I borrowed a sewing machine, figured out how to sew on YouTube, and then figured out how to make a pad. When I saw how easy it was, I thought if I can do it, literally anyone can." Timestamp: 02:11

"I simply had an idea and saw a way that we could do it and it just snowballed. And I have just said yes to every opportunity." Timestamp: 04:02

"We support school girls in Uganda, for example, and they've reported a 98% increase in their attendance since receiving reusable pads." Timestamp: 20:53

"We're planning to distribute 80,000 pads this year. So we did just under 60,000 last year. We'll do a hundred thousand the year after that." Timestamp: 28:56

"It costs us just 10 pounds to get a pack to someone, which lasts for the next five years. So it's really just a couple of coffees and it makes such a difference." Timestamp: 41:09

Episode Hashtags

#PeriodPoverty #EmpowerWomen #SustainableSolutions #MenstrualHealth #GlobalImpact

Episode Summary

✨ Call to Action — How YOU Can Help ✨

Related Links

Powerful Quotes

Episode Hashtags