In a world where menstruation is still shrouded in silence, shame, and stigma, Manjit Kaur Gill MBE is a trailblazer rewriting the narrative. The British-born Sikh entrepreneur turned philanthropist is the inspiring force behind Binti International, a period charity transforming lives across the globe. From grassroots villages in India to bustling cities in the UK, Manjit’s mission is loud and clear—menstrual dignity for every girl and woman.
With a career spanning over three decades in international business and development, Manjit wasn’t always in the nonprofit world. But what she saw, heard, and experienced led her to trade boardrooms for village classrooms. What she launched was not just a charity, but a global movement that educates, empowers, and equips women to manage their periods safely and confidently.
A Life-Changing Thought
The moment that changed everything for Manjit came during a business trip abroad. She was exposed to the harsh realities many girls face during menstruation. Around 300 million girls and women across the globe use unsafe items like rags, animal skins, or even ash to manage their periods. In many parts of the world, access to sanitary products is either non-existent or considered a luxury. As a result, 1 in 4 girls drops out of school once she hits puberty.
That statistic hit home. For Manjit, the thought of girls missing out on education and opportunities because of something as natural as menstruation became unacceptable. That spark ignited what would become Binti International—a name that means “daughter” in Swahili, chosen to represent the global daughterhood of women united by this common but often hidden experience.
The Birth of Binti International
Founded in 2015, Binti International is on a bold mission: to provide menstrual dignity to all women and girls. Headquartered in the UK, the charity has now expanded its reach to over 12 countries, including India, Kenya, The Gambia, and the UAE. It combines education, access, and community engagement to address both the physical and emotional aspects of period poverty.
What makes Binti stand out is its approach to tackling the social stigma attached to periods. The organization runs workshops, educational sessions, and public campaigns that break cultural taboos and open up conversations around menstrual health. Volunteers from different backgrounds and countries work together to dismantle shame, making Binti more than a charity—it’s a community, a movement, and a safe space.
Menstrual Dignity Meets Faith
One of Binti’s landmark moments came in February 2019 when Manjit launched the UK’s first Period Policy within a religious institution. In collaboration with the Peter Virdee Foundation and several Sikh scholars, Binti introduced this policy at Khalsa Jatha Gurdwara in London.
This initiative allowed women of any faith to access free menstrual products and meals (langar) at the Gurdwara—a revolutionary step in normalizing periods within sacred spaces. It also set a precedent for other religious communities to embrace inclusivity and compassion by addressing menstrual needs openly and respectfully.
This fusion of tradition and modern advocacy illustrates Manjit’s visionary leadership—bridging cultural practices with contemporary social issues to create impactful change.
Low Cost, High Impact
Running a global charity often comes with sky-high administrative costs, but not with Binti. Under Manjit’s leadership, the organization has grown its global volunteer base and expanded to various countries—all while maintaining an incredibly low overhead. This financial efficiency means more resources are directed where they’re needed most: into schools, villages, and local communities.
Each country adapts the Binti model to meet local needs while preserving its core values. In India, for instance, Binti runs educational programs in schools. In Kenya and The Gambia, the focus is on access to sustainable period products. In the UAE, the charity supports migrant women with both supplies and education. Every project is tailored and inclusive, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.
Recognition and Awards
Manjit’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has been the recipient of several prestigious accolades, the most notable being the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awarded for her services to girls’ and women’s health across the globe. She was also honoured with the Points of Light Award by the UK Prime Minister, recognising her exceptional volunteer service and the lives she has touched through Binti.
These recognitions are a testament not just to her work, but to her relentless drive to make the world a better place for women everywhere.
Beyond Periods: Empowering Women to Know Their Bodies
At the heart of Binti’s mission is the idea that menstrual education equals empowerment. For Manjit, it’s not just about handing out pads; it’s about changing mindsets. Teaching women and girls to understand their bodies is the first step towards body autonomy and self-respect.
By demystifying menstruation and offering factual, stigma-free information, Binti is giving women the tools to take control of their health. This empowerment extends beyond periods—it touches every aspect of a woman’s life, from education to employment and emotional well-being.
The Journey Ahead
As Binti International continues to expand, Manjit Kaur Gill remains at the helm, driven by the same passion that inspired her to start this journey. Her dream is a world where no girl has to hide in shame, skip school, or feel less-than because of her period. A world where menstruation is talked about freely, respectfully, and truthfully.
With rising conversations around period equity and gender health justice on platforms like Google Trends, Binti’s mission is more relevant than ever. The global spotlight on menstrual health is growing, and voices like Manjit’s are leading the charge.
In a time when change-makers are celebrated for their courage and compassion, Manjit Kaur Gill MBE stands out as a powerful symbol of both—a woman who took a problem few wanted to talk about and turned it into a global mission for dignity, inclusion, and empowerment.
Her work reminds us that even the quietest revolutions—like making pads available in a temple—can be the most powerful.
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