Within the campaign “My purchase has a mission”, a joint initiative of dm Bulgaria and the PULSE Foundation, the support for women and girls from vulnerable communities went beyond a one‑time donation and grew into a comprehensive initiative for care, awareness and trust.

Over the course of three months, the teams of the PULSE Foundation reached more than 500 women and girls in Pernik and Kardzhali, providing packages with products for intimate female hygiene – sanitary pads, tampons, pantyliners, intimate gels, wet wipes and other hygiene items. For many of the women, these were not just useful gifts but their first encounter with this type of product.

Social workers working in the field said that about a third of women had never used intimate soaps, shampoos or wet wipes before. "There were many questions – what a product is for, when and how it is used. This gave us the opportunity not only to provide products, but to really talk about the importance of intimate and personal hygiene", says Evgeni Genchev, social worker.

In many moments, the distribution of hygiene materials also became a natural reason to talk about health. “We used the opportunity to explain how important timely visits to a gynecologist are, as well as regular preventive check‑ups”, adds Evgeni Genchev. Topics such as early pregnancy, safe sex and prevention of risky behavior often arose spontaneously and were discussed in an atmosphere of trust.

Every story we hear touches us, but some are especially powerful. One of the women, although she is in menopause, shared that she would give the products to her niece “so she can explain to her and show her what they are and how they are used”. This gesture shows how the campaign creates a bridge of support and knowledge between generations.

At the end of last year, the initiative was expanded with the first educational talks led by Dr. Aleksandar Kobakov – obstetrician‑gynecologist – together with specialists from the PULSE Foundation. The talks covered key topics related to women’s sexual and reproductive health – what these concepts mean, how the menstrual cycle works, what methods of contraception exist, how to protect ourselves from sexually transmitted infections, how lifestyle affects fertility, and why informed choice is essential for future parenthood.

So far, more than 60 people have participated in the talks (most of them young men and women), and the interest and active involvement clearly show the need for accessible, understandable and practical information of this kind. Participants listen attentively, ask questions and share personal concerns.

Several more talks are planned in Pernik and Kardzhali, where at least another 100 people are expected to be reached. The campaign “My purchase has a mission” is an example of how sustainable partnership between business and the civil sector can lead to real change and support – not only by providing essential products, but also through knowledge, understanding and human connection that give women and girls confidence and the opportunity to take better care of their own health and future.