Olympic badminton champion Saina Nehwal has joined Naarica, a Nashik-based menstrual care startup, as a strategic investor and brand ambassador. The partnership aims to address India’s menstrual hygiene challenges by promoting sustainable alternatives to disposable sanitary products.
With nearly 50% of menstruating women in India lacking access to proper sanitary care, the market is projected to grow at a 16% CAGR, reaching $522 million by 2025. Naarica specializes in reusable, antibacterial period underwear, offering an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to conventional pads.
Expressing her commitment to the cause, Nehwal stated, “Menstrual hygiene is a critical yet often overlooked issue in our country. Through this collaboration, I hope to create greater awareness and provide women with access to high-quality, sustainable products. This is more than a business investment—it’s a step toward empowerment and change.”
Founded by Shruti Chand, Naarica integrates international design with Indian manufacturing to produce scientifically tested, sustainable menstrual products. The company claims to be India’s only German lab-certified antibacterial period underwear brand, aiming to revolutionize menstrual care.
Chand described the partnership as a pivotal moment for Naarica, stating, “Saina is a strong voice in India. Her advocacy will help us reach diverse demographics and educate audiences about absorbent sanitary care. This collaboration enables us to enhance our product offerings, scale operations, and expand our outreach to underserved communities.”