Lina Srivastava

Indian social entrepreneur revolutionizing menstrual health access through tech innovation

Lina Srivastava is the visionary behind Digital Saathi, a groundbreaking initiative that has empowered over 500,000 rural Indian women with menstrual health education and affordable products. Growing up in a village without proper sanitation facilities, Lina recognized the stigma surrounding menstruation and its impact on girls' education. Her 2020 startup created an AI-powered mobile app connecting women with local manufacturers of biodegradable pads, while also training young girls as 'Digital Saathis' (female tech ambassadors) to educate their communities. This network has reduced school dropout rates among girls by 40% in pilot regions. In partnership with UNICEF, Lina expanded the model to Bangladesh and Nepal through the Global Menstrual Health Coalition. Her 2022 book 'Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Equity for All' became a bestseller in development studies. Lina's work was featured at the 2023 World Economic Forum in Davos, where she launched the 'Menstrual Health Innovation Hub' - a global platform connecting 1,200+ startups working on sustainable hygiene solutions. Her advocacy led to India's 2024 National Menstrual Health Policy, mandating free sanitary products in all public schools.