Cover Empowering women to navigate reproductive health concerns with tools like pads and menstrual cups (Photo: Getty Images / Julia Amaral)
Empowering women to navigate reproductive health concerns with tools like pads and menstrual cups (Photo: Getty Images / Julia Amaral)
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From resources for managing PCOS to navigating menopause, these femtech companies are elevating the conversation around reproductive health in the Philippines
For centuries, conversations around women’s reproductive health were held behind closed doors, if they were discussed at all. In a deeply religious country like the Philippines, such topics as one's first menstruation were often seen as shameful secrets.
But with the advent of new technology, the conversation is evolving. These Filipina-founded femtech companies are tailoring their apps and websites to suit the Philippines' unique context. They display a sensitivity to the country's deep family values, highlighting the struggles women go through in navigating puberty, parenthood and ageing.
In shedding light on these topics, they equip women with the tools they need to navigate issues such as PCOS diagnoses, pregnancies and menopause. As a result, these women can make the most suitable decisions for their unique lifestyles.
In the era of widespread Internet use, these companies do more than simply provide information. They make women feel less alone in their struggles, putting holistic wellness within reach.
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1. Beacon
The Philippines is known as a deeply family-centred society. Yet mothers in particular complete significant amounts of invisible labour while raising their children. Beacon provides parents, specifically mothers, opportunities to connect with other parents in a safe place. Through group therapy sessions, workshops, and discussions around post-partum experiences, lactation, and navigating different stages of childhood.
2. Halia
For menstruating people, Halia provides organic, biodegradable sanitary pads. The pads are made with bamboo, which requires less water to produce than cotton and has no pesticides that can interfere with one’s hormones. They offer various-sized pads to suit different needs at an accessible price.
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3. Eluvo
Eluvo’s goal is to give every Filipina great healthcare, regardless of their situation and specific needs. They have an integrated digital and physical platform with consulting services, diagnostic packages and treatment programmes that empower each woman to take charge of her reproductive health.
4. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley understands that innerwear is unique to each person, so this brand caters to various life stages. From period briefs to nursing bras, the brand wants to increase people’s comfort and empowerment. They also offer an inclusive range of bodysuits, chemises, and robes. The brand prioritises environmental and social responsibility, giving back to different communities that uphold women’s rights on a global scale.
5. Scoliosis Philippines
Scoliosis Philippines seeks to connect Filipinos suffering from scoliosis with a welcoming community. Through their app, they provide people with access to resources and support in navigating this condition while immersing themselves in the experiences of others who suffer from scoliosis. The app is constantly updated with new treatment options and expert insights to make scoliosis more manageable.
6. Sinaya Cup
Sinaya Cup has created the first brand of menstrual cups in the Philippines. Created with medical-grade silicone, the cup is inserted into the body through different folding and adjusting techniques. The product can be reused for up to two years. This minimises the disposal of non-biodegradable toxic plastic napkins in landfills nationwide.
The brand also engages in CUPacity Caravan, which educates Filipino girls in different public schools on reproductive health and body acceptance.
7. Kindred
Kindred is a reproductive health platform focused on providing accessible, expert guidance on topics like PCOS, fertility, and menstrual health. It aims to destigmatise these conversations and offers personalised resources and support to help individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive well-being.
8. Nala Woman
Nala Woman provides Filipinas with organic and sustainable menstrual care products, including sanitary pads, tampons, and pantyliners. Made from eco-friendly materials, Nala’s products are designed to be gentle on both the body and the environment, offering a healthier alternative to conventional options.
9. Hati Health
The journey to menopause is often considered a taboo topic, but Hati Health is breaking the stigma around this condition. Through Hati Health’s digital platform, people are given access to the symptoms one can face during perimenopause. There are also opportunities for consultations with medical professionals, as well as diet guidelines and medication plans tailored to each person’s unique needs. They also offer annual women's health check-ups and cover issues such as PCOS and maternity. Additionally, they partner with employers and insurance companies to boost their health benefits for their employees, in efforts to close the gender pay gap.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
