Launched in 2020, WingWoman Lebanon is a grassroots initiative that produces reusable period pads (and reusable diapers) and distributes them to communities in need across Lebanon. The organization addresses the issue of period poverty, especially in times of crisis, by providing sustainable menstrual health solutions to women in refugee camps and impoverished areas.

In this interview, Amina Moussa and Meelie Pemberton, two key figures behind WingWoman Lebanon, discuss their experiences and the challenges of addressing period poverty during the ongoing instability in the region and the massive internal displacement in Lebanon. 

A Community-Powered Solution: Women Empowering Women

WingWoman Lebanon began as an organic project, where women in the Shatila refugee camps, facing financial hardships, realized that the cost of getting to work was higher than the income they were earning. In response, a network of women came together to produce reusable period pads from home. These Palestinian and Syrian women are part of a growing taskforce, currently made up of 8 women aged between 23 to 55 year olds, who sew and distribute the pads to those in need. 

Amina Moussa, one of the seamstresses, shares that the organization’s production capacity has surged in recent weeks: “The demand for reusable menstrual pads has increased dramatically. We are now producing between 500 to 1,000 pads a week.”

The growing need for menstrual products is tied to the mass displacement in Lebanon, particularly since September 2024. The ongoing war has forced many people into vulnerable situations where basic health and hygiene products are scarce – a challenge that particularly touches women in displacement.

Amina, who produces the pads from her home in the Shatila refugee camp, explains, “So far, the war has not stopped our operations. Although a few of our team members have been affected, we continue to work—though we are, of course, fearful of bombings in the camp.” Despite these challenges, WingWoman Lebanon remains resilient and committed to its mission.

Amina also plays a key role in the distribution of pads, providing education and awareness to women on menstrual health and alternative period products 

The Journey: From Resistance to Acceptance

Meelie Pemberton, the co-founder of WingWoman Lebanon, reflects on the early days of their mobilisation. “It all started organically, with a discussion around what we could produce with our new found sewing skills,” she recalls. “This project has enabled us to provide some financial support to women facing challenging circumstances.”

However, the idea of reusable pads was met with resistance at first, primarily due to cultural and mindset barriers. “Many people were initially skeptical,” says Meelie. “But over time, the benefits of reusable pads became clearer. Our data shows that the pads have a significant and varied impact including reducing  health complications related to periods, saving money, and they are eco-friendly.”

With the support of donors and partner organizations, WingWoman Lebanon has distributed over 200,000 pads since its launch. The organization continues to meet the urgent needs of displaced women and those living in extreme poverty.

“This year has been incredibly tough for many organizations, and ours was no exception” Meelie explains. “Contingency plans were often designed for immediate disasters and did not account for long term menstrual product needs. However, in light of the recent escalation, the demand for our pads has really grown.”

The increasing demand reflects a broader recognition that reusable pads are a cost-effective and sustainable solution to menstrual health, particularly in times of crisis.

A Double-Edged Mission: Empowering Women and Addressing Menstrual Health

At the heart of WingWoman Lebanon’s mission is a dual focus: empowering women through meaningful economic opportunities and providing essential menstrual products to those in need.

“Our mission is two-fold,” Meelie explains. “First, we ensure that the women in our network have decent work using their sewing skills in a way that benefits them and their families. Secondly, distributing the pads to shelters and those in need is a key part of what we do.”

The work of WingWoman Lebanon is a powerful example of how communities can come together to tackle period poverty and provide sustainable solutions in the face of crisis. 

Through the dedication of women like Amina and Meelie, WingWoman Lebanon is helping to break the cycle of poverty and stigma surrounding menstruation, one pad at a time.

Tala Nassif

Tala Nassif holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in Development Studies – Labour, Activism, and Global Commodity Chains – from SOAS University of London. Specialized in international development and economic empowerment, Tala currently serves as a Senior Research Assistant at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB.