Transnational Engagements: Smashing the Last Taboo—Caring Corporations in Conversation
Abstract Bacalja Perianes delves into the relationship between capitalism and social change by focusing on how three companies balance profit-making with forging a menstrual health sector that promotes education, advocacy, gender equality, and women’s health. In the push to acquire new customers, companies wade into complex issues surrounding menstrual health needs in countries around the world. In light of efforts by social enterprises, start-ups, and large corporations to capitalize on the market and social opportunity of women’s bodies, Perianes asks the provocative question: Is this a good or bad trend? Does reframing consumption and consumer choice as activism actually undermine the effort needed to achieve gender equality? Or are we witnessing the rise of a new form of activism that works to achieve social change and improve the lives of women, girls, and their communities by means of business innovation?