Alumna Rung Revolutionises Women’s Health Through Sensible and Innovative Solutions
Alumni Exceptional People Our Spotlight SHR ArticleIra Concept, the innovative company founded by our Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside alumna, Varangtip (Rung) Satchatippavarn – Class of 2013, has made a significant impact in the women’s health industry. What began as a personal struggle has blossomed into a movement aimed at transforming how society views period care, while also addressing the broader issues of gender equality and environmental sustainability.
With Rung wanting to create “a movement that could create a lasting impact on our society”, Rung took the decision to leave her job in 2019 to begin a bold mission to change women’s health by offering innovative, sustainable solutions that lead to social justice. Having worked in a variety of fields post-university including government, venture capital and startups, Ira was well prepared to face the gender inequalities of today’s society.
By 2020, Ira Concept was born, with the mission to create healthier, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional sanitary products.
“We aim to provide more than just a solution; we want to change the way people think and talk about menstruation”.
As part of their outreach, Ira Concept has focused on educating consumers, including their corporate partners, on the importance of offering free sanitary products through their B2B channel. These efforts support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and have already seen success with universities, hotels, gyms, and even schools in Thailand joining the cause.
The company’s sanitary products are now the top sellers in the organic sanitary pads category across various e-commerce platforms. With their B2C and D2C channels well established, Ira’s short-term goal is to expand their B2B sales, focusing on institutions, corporations, and commercial spaces that want to incorporate free sanitary pads into their welfare programs.
“I would love to see more alumni, especially from Shrewsbury, join our network to help end period poverty,” Rung added, encouraging her fellow alumni to support the cause and contribute to breaking the silence around menstruation and period poverty.
Rung credits much of her success to the foundational values she learned during her time at Shrewsbury. From the supportive friendships she formed to the academic rigour that shaped her problem-solving approach, the school provided her with the tools to pursue her goals fearlessly. “Shrewsbury gave me a sense of community and belonging that made me feel capable of achieving anything,” Rung reflected.
Reflecting on her journey, Rung offered some advice for current students and fellow alumni: “Remember why you started – whether it’s your education or your career path, those values will keep you going through every challenge.”
Through their innovative products and advocacy, Rung and her team are creating a world where women’s health is a priority.
For more information about Ira Concept or to learn how you can support the cause, reach out to Rung through her company’s website or by searching @ira_concept on Instagram.
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