Fems expands national initiative partnering Red Cross, United Communities and Ministries of Health and Education launching “Api Katha Karamu” Sri Lanka's largest menstrual health and hygiene education program

-Educating 180,000+ school students islandwide to address critical gaps and create awareness-

Fems, one of Sri Lanka's leading feminine hygiene brands, has implemented an expansive menstrual health and hygiene education program, ‘Api Katha Karamu’ (Let’s Talk), covering all nine provinces across 180 schools and reaching over 180,000 students. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, United Communities, and with support from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

The Official MoU Signing ceremony between the Fems & partners Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, United Communities was held on 08th July 2025.

The new partnerships with United Communities Guarantee Ltd.—a non-governmental organisation recognised for fostering a community of care and support—and the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society—a humanitarian organisation committed to alleviating human suffering and fostering resilience and dignity—serve as vital allies in Fems' expanded menstrual health education efforts. These organisations have played a pivotal role in facilitating connections with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to support the nationwide program.

Menstrual health education in Sri Lanka continues to face significant challenges. Of the 4.2 million menstruating women in the country, only 30% regularly use sanitary napkins. According to a study conducted by WaterAid and the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia on menstrual hygiene management in schools, 60% of parents in Sri Lanka do not allow their daughters to attend school during their periods.

Since 2021, Fems has conducted menstrual hygiene education sessions that have reached over 300,000 females across schools, plantations, prisons, and workplaces, addressing critical gaps in menstrual education, promoting proper hygiene practices, and reducing school absenteeism.

The new alliance will serve as vital partners in Fems' expanded menstrual health education initiative.

Sabrina Esufally, Managing Director, Hemas Consumer Brands, said, “We believe there is an urgent need in Sri Lanka for comprehensive menstrual health education and support. The partnership strengthens Fems' unwavering commitment to break down stigmas and provide knowledge and resources to Sri Lanka's school students. We hope to create lasting change that enables young women to take charge of their menstrual health with confidence and dignity. The initiative is a true reflection of our purpose to help every Sri Lankan woman become independent and rise above challenges.”

“Api Katha Karamu” program will comprise targeted sessions addressing students. Each participant will receive educational materials and redeemable vouchers. In addition, select schools will benefit from the distribution of free sanitary napkin packs. The program aims to significantly reduce the number of school days lost due to menstruation—an issue currently affecting 37% of girls, who miss one to two days of school each month (according to the WaterAid and UNICEF study).

Conducted by experienced healthcare practitioners, the initiative will help students understand their bodies correctly, receive accurate, age-appropriate information and make informed decisions, addressing critical knowledge gaps that have long affected young women's educational outcomes and personal wellbeing. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification from the healthcare practitioners on topics such as periods and female health, ensuring their concerns are addressed in a safe and supportive environment.

Fems believes the program will foster understanding among today's youth and help to cultivate a generation of Sri Lankan women who can independently manage their menstrual health. The program also aligns with Fems' core purpose of enabling women to achieve greater independence and overcome societal barriers.

 Fems, a feminine hygiene brand established in 2004, is driven by a mission to enable women to be independent and rise above societal constraints.

Committed to offering a range of affordable, high-quality sanitary napkins accessible to women from all walks of life, Fems added Aya to its product range, which is specifically designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality. With deep understanding and empathy, Fems aims to address the evolving feminine hygiene requirements ensuring that women feel comfortable, confident, and supported. Today, Fems has established itself as a reliable brand in feminine care.

At the core of the brand purpose is a dedication to educating households about menstrual health and hygiene, while simultaneously working to dismantle social stigma surrounding menstruation. Fems stands as a beacon of empowerment, a trusted ally that believes in women’s potential, supporting their journey, and celebrating their strength.

For more information, visit https://hemas.com/brands/fems.html.