Pad Forward

PadForward is a menstrual pad donation platform using MERN. Beyond addressing menstrual equity, our goal is to make space for older people to share their wisdom about periods with younger generations.

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Pay It Forward with PadForward

About PadForward

"PadForward: Together, We Can End Menstrual Inequity"

Have you ever found yourself with a stash of menstrual products that suddenly seem unnecessary as your periods come to an end? Instead of discarding them, imagine turning those surplus supplies into a beacon of support for someone in need. This is where PadForward comes into play, inviting you to not just share the menstrual products but also the wisdom and warmth that got you through your own cycles.

Imagine a community where the end of your menstrual journey becomes the beginning of support for another. Every pad you've saved, every tip you've learned, carries the potential to ease someone else's challenges. PadForward isn't just about donating menstrual products; it's about passing on a legacy of care, strength, and shared experiences.

Why We Started PadForward

In response to the alarming statistics revealing that 64% of respondents in the United States have reported difficulty affording menstrual products, with 21% unable to afford these products every month, it's noteworthy that many individuals who have reached menopause end up discarding their unused menstrual supplies. This sparked our desire to create a platform that not only facilitates the donation of these products but also encourages a sharing of wisdom between generations, addressing menstrual equity and creating a supportive community.

PadForward Preview

Figma Prototype

How we built it

Our project was developed using a modern tech stack that includes React for the frontend, Node and Express for the backend, and MongoDB for the database. This combination allowed us to create a responsive and user-friendly web application.

Challenges we ran into

One of the main challenges was our decision to use Vite for the first time, pushing us to learn a new tool under time constraints. Integrating the Google Maps API presented another hurdle, as we navigated through its documentation to understand error handling. The 24-hour coding marathon tested our abilities to communicate and collaborate effectively under pressure.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud of bringing our idea to life, creating a functional platform that addresses a critical social issue. Successfully using new technologies like Vite and integrating external APIs such as Google Maps are significant technical achievements. Most importantly, fostering a sense of community and support through PadForward fills us with pride.

What we learned

Through this project, we learned the importance of teamwork and effective communication, especially when working under tight deadlines. The technical skills gained from using a new development environment and APIs have been invaluable. Additionally, we deepened our understanding of menstrual equity and the impact of community support on addressing social issues.

What's next for Pad Forward

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our distribution network by adding more centers and enhancing our platform's features to facilitate easier donations and requests. We aim to grow our community of donors and volunteers, furthering our reach and impact. Continuing to improve our platform based on user feedback and exploring new technologies to enhance functionality and user experience are also on our agenda. Our ultimate goal is to make menstrual products accessible to everyone who needs them, fostering a world where menstrual equity is a reality.

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