There are those who believe that underwear can change the world. And when you consider the way that young girls are disadvantaged, disrespected, and neglected worldwide, you have to believe they’re onto something. In many poverty-stricken countries, young women are disadvantaged simply by being young women, and because of a lack of health and medical services as well as sanitary products.

And that’s one of the reasons that Antonia, Miki and Radha Agrawal decided to come up with the product known as the Thinx. After a series of harrowing experiences and inspiration gained from traveling abroad, they developed the idea for a leak/stain-resistant, anti-microbial, and moisture-wicking underwear. And with a little crowdfunding through Kickstarter ($130,000 to be exact), they were able to make it a reality.

The women also partnered with Uganda-based organization AFRIpads, which creates washable pads for women in developing countries so they don’t have to miss work or school for a week each month. For each pair of underwear Thinx sells, it donates enough money for AFRIpads to create seven pads for young women in their country.

And as a final boost, the women beat out another 145 entrepreneurs in a contest held by the online marketplace known as the Daily Grommet, to have their product sold on the online marketplace, promoted in the media and be featured on the funding website Indiegogo. Here, the ladies appear together to offer their thoughts on insights on how their product can help change the world, as well as relating the story of how they came came up with it.

So in addition to showing how new media and international marketing to help change the world, this also demonstrates the power of crowdfunding and taking socially-conscious, sustainable ideas directly to the marketplace. What an age we live in! And one also has to consider what this case demonstrates about small things making big impacts.

In addition to helping women in the industrialized world avoid embarrassment and infection, it also will help girls abroad overcome the disadvantages that are so often heaped upon them because of their gender. And this comes not long after the development of the Smart Bra, a revolutionary undergarment that helps women beat breast cancer through early detection. Who say’s underwear can’t change the world?

And be sure to check out the video of the Agrawal sisters Indiegogo interview:

Source: shethinx.com, fastcompany.com, indiegogo.com