Undies with Impact: Joyya’s Journey from Fabric Scraps to Women’s Empowerment
In the back alleys of Kolkata, resourcefulness thrives. From dismantling discarded electronics to repurposing old fabric for cushion stuffing, nothing here goes to waste. Inspired by this ethos, we at Joyya wanted to make our production process more sustainable. While creating our iconic T-shirts, we noticed the leftover organic cotton fabric in between the cut-out patterns. Rather than dispose of these high-quality, fair-trade cotton remnants, we knew they could serve a greater purpose. The question was, how?
As we brainstormed with our team, one idea emerged that resonated with everyone: underwear. Simple, practical, and impactful. So, we began crafting our first Joyya undies—thoughtfully sewn, sustainable, and ethical.
A Humble Beginning with a Big Impact
From our initial samples to full-scale production, each pair of undies has been crafted with care and consideration. Our team of sewers trained one another, perfecting every detail of fit and comfort. However, as our stock grew, we realized we had amassed a small mountain of undies. The colorful sample pieces started being distributed within our community. Soon, our underwear became a cherished gift included in the kits for our menstrual health workshops.
These workshops support women in communities impacted by extreme poverty and modern slavery, where discussing periods and hygiene remains taboo. Here, the simple act of providing a pair of underwear brought immense comfort and dignity, helping women feel prepared and empowered.
For many women, particularly those facing extreme poverty, buying underwear is not even a consideration. In fact, for women like Shivanya* in her mid-forties, underwear has never been part of her life. “Just like me, my mother used old saree cloth,” she shares, “some women even use dried leaves or grass for padding.” Our undies became a practical gift, offering not just comfort but dignity, inspiring confidence and promoting health.
From Fabric Scraps to Life-Changing Comfort
Our undies are designed with sustainability, comfort, and empowerment at the forefront. Each pair is crafted from 100% certified organic cotton that’s soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin. With every pair sold, we can continue to build a system that benefits both people and the planet. If you're curious about the impact you make buying our ethical underwear, read our full impact report here.
Make a Difference, One Pair at a Time
Joyya undies are part of a larger movement, creating change in communities where simple necessities are often out of reach. By wearing our undies, you join a community dedicated to sustainability and empowerment, showing the world that even the smallest items—like a pair of undies—can spark enormous good.
Ready to make an impact? Grab your pair here. Wear them with pride, knowing you’re helping break the cycle of stigma, empowering women, and supporting sustainable change one pair at a time.
*Shivanya's name has been changed to protect her identity.
