What if period equity wasn’t just a cause but a business model?
What if advertising could fund free period products without putting the burden back on women?

That’s exactly what Aditi Gorasia is doing with Ads on Pads, a social enterprise changing the game. In this episode, Aditi shares the deeply personal story behind her mission to eliminate period poverty in Aotearoa and beyond.

From handing out free pads as a Women’s Welfare Officer at the University of Auckland…
To launching a startup where brands advertise on period product packaging to fund access for those who need it most…
To pitching to global brands, standing firm on values, and saying no to ads that don’t empower…

She’s building a business that’s commercially smart, values-led, and impact-first.

 We cover:

• Why profit and purpose must co-exist

• The challenges of being a young, Indian woman founder in a male-dominated startup space

• The power of lived experience in shaping ethical entrepreneurship

• And why sometimes not putting pads in the bathroom turned out to be the greatest gift of all, the chance to hear real stories

Aditi doesn’t just talk equity. She lives it. Whether it’s saying no to alcohol and diet pill sponsors, or choosing people over profit in her earliest deals, her leadership is bold and brave.

Some key learnings include

1.  "Only money can do money’s job." Social impact needs sustainable funding and that’s not a dirty thing.
   
2. Don’t wait for permission. If no one else is solving it, maybe it’s your job.
   
3. The best data is often in the stories people are too scared to tell, unless you create a safe space for them to share.
   
4. Your values aren’t marketing. They’re your compass. Use them.
   
5.  Changing the world doesn’t start with shouting. It starts with listening.
   

Tune in to the full episode now on Spotify & YouTube

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Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane