Interview with CORA Co-Founder, Molly Hayward #PeriodsWithPurpose

Happy Tuesday all!!! Today I go back to the subject of tampons and periods. However, today's post is a jump off of my CORA review post from last week. Last week I myself and two of my friends reviewed Cora's organic cotton tampons which resulted in a 4/5, 4/5 and 2.5/5 stars review. I also shared about their local job creation program (making pads) and pad donation program - which I put into conversation with a recent NPR podcast I listened to. The run down of that was that research does not support that programs which give out free pads to schoolgirls in rural areas of developing countries will increase girls' school attendance. However, the studies to conclude that further research is needed and that programs like this may do other things such as raise confidence in girls on their periods which may have an impact on school performance. That's something to think about.

Okiedokie, this week I decided to go for an interview. Part of being an ethical fashion blogger is understanding the production chain and investigating the who and why of a brand - so that you too can learn along with me! (#GroupLearning) And so, today I bring you an interview with Molly Hayward, co-founder of CORA! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments below!

Interview with Molly Hayward

1. Where is the organic cotton sourced?

Turkey

2. Is the organic cotton from a group, cooperative, or company?

It's from a company that is certified 100% organic by GOTS (the Global Organic Textile Standard) which also ensures human rights/labor rights in the production of the crops

3. Where are the tampons manufactured?

In Europe

4. Why is the price point so much higher than normal tampons?

Organic cotton is more expensive to source, and we also offer a premium experience for our members. Plus, shipping is included in the cost. It's actually a great value.

5. What is your current target market?

Smart, conscious, sophisticated women (and they are typically metropolitan, aged 25-44)

6. Tampons or Diva Cup... why tampons?

Tampons are still the choice of the vast majority of women, which is why we set out to create the best high-performing 100% certified organic tampon that could reach the mass market. For those who love the cup, rock on. For the rest of us, there's Cora tampons. 

7. Where do you provide pads and how did you find these communities?

We provide pads to girls across India through our partner, Aakar Innovations. Aakar is a social enterprise that employs women to produce biodegradable sanitary pads called Anandi in local communities in India. Cora then purchases the pads they produce, thereby supporting their small businesses, and then distributes them to girls in local schools.

8. What do your pad production facilities look like? 

Below are photos of the production facilities.

9. How do you decide who to employ?

Cora does not employ these women, they are owner-operators of the mini factories through Aakar Innovations. 

10. What is the price range which these pads sell at? Do you also sell them in the communities? Is the price comparable?

Cora does not sell Anandi pads in India, we purchase them from the mini factories and then provide them at no cost to local students.

When we asked about her work with Aakar (a sustainable sanitary pad producer in India and Cora's partner in helping girls stay in school during their periods) Rinki replied, “I feel great and independent as this is for the first time I have moved out of my house to work...With this job, I have started saving and my family is equally happy.” 

Cora Facebook Page, May 2016 

11. For centuries women have lived without pads, why do the young girls in this community miss school for their periods if they could just use cloths a bleeding protection?

Cloth is not as effective and will typically not be absorbent through an entire day of school. Likewise, many girls don't have access to a washing facility where they could change or wash a piece of cloth. In addition, a cloth used repeatedly may not be clean and can harbor bacteria that causes infections

12. How many communities are you located in now? Do you see this changing?

We are currently focused on just one community in India to ensure that we make a meaningful impact for the girls there. 

13. What is your 5 year goal for the company?

Our goal is to become a meaningful force for the empowerment of women globally--to have made significant progress towards our mission of ensuring that every woman on the planet can experience all aspects of womanhood safely and with dignity.  

 Stay woman strong, Ladies!

Christine

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