Mariah MANSVELT BECK

Co-Founder

Yoni

Pays-Bas

In 2011, a specialist advised Mariah to start using organic cotton sanitary napkins and tampons. She quickly began researching with her friend Wendelien, and they made a discovery that shocked them both: sanitary napkins and tampons use synthetic materials that contain plastic and perfume, and what more, there are no legal requirements for manufacturers to indicate on the packaging what the sanitary napkins or tampons contain. To address this, Mariah and Wendelien decided to launch Yoni and change the rules.

Biography

Bibliography

#WFRE17 reporter : Let’s talk periods ! – by Alix Makereel & Delphine Henneguelle

Mariah Mansvelt Beck obtained her MPhil in International Development at the University of Cambridge and spent seven years working for Médecins Sans Frontières. After a health scare in 2011, a specialist advised Mariah to start using organic tampons and pads to prevent further irritation. This was the first time she ever questioned her choices of product. Upon investigation, she found that not only are many tampons and pads made from synthetic materials and may contain plastic and perfume but there are no specific rules or legislation when it comes to listing the ingredients on these intimate products.

That’s why in 2014, Mariah and friend Wendelien Hebly founded Yoni. With Yoni they aim to pass on the story behind these intimate products while at the same time make sure Yoni’s organic cotton tampons, pads and panty liners get on mainstream shelves.

“We believe every woman should know what she’s putting between her legs. So let’s break the taboo, ditch the shame and start talking about periods properly.” For more information go to : www.yoni.care