We are Team Care Capsule—a group dedicated to reducing gender inequality by improving access to essential feminine health products. Our mission begins in Latin America, where many low-income communities face severe barriers to menstrual and reproductive healthcare. Inspired by real stories of women and girls affected by limited access and the stigma surrounding menstruation, we designed the Care Capsule to be part of the solution. This smart dispenser not only provides free feminine products but also spreads awareness and education on menstrual and sexual health, helping to break taboos and promote equality.
Noemí, now 55, grew up in a small town in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. She recalls a time when menstrual products were not just scarce—they were non-existent.
“My mother gave us rags. We couldn’t throw them away—we had to wash them, and you can’t imagine the shame we felt... First we rinsed the blood with cold water, then soaked the cloth in soap, rinsed it again, and left it to dry in the sun. If it didn’t come clean, we boiled it in a pot over the fire.”
Many women like Noemí were taught to hide the process entirely, especially from men. Some avoided bleach due to painful irritation, while others resorted to uncomfortable girdles or belts to hold cloth in place.
These stories are not from a distant past—they represent the ongoing struggles faced by millions of women today. The Care Capsule was created to change this. By providing free, accessible menstrual products and educational support, we aim to break the cycle of stigma and inequality that still surrounds menstruation in marginalized communities.