Founder of HER | Forbes 30 Under 30 | Winner of Women of the Future Awards SEA for Public Service | Canon Young Champion | Diana Awardee
Breaking Barriers: Manyasiri (Pear) Chotbunwong’s Passion for Empowering Youth Voices
Professional Journey
Manyasiri (Pear) Chotbunwong is an extraordinary individual dedicated to breaking taboos, leading change, and advocating for essential social causes. As the Founder of HER (Health. Equity. Respect.) and the Editor-in-Chief of Thailand’s 1st Interscholastic Newspaper, she’s been at the forefront of several impactful initiatives. Her commitment to menstrual justice, youth voices, and social entrepreneurship has earned her numerous accolades and a place on Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Advocating for Menstrual Justice:
Pear’s journey as a menstrual justice activist led her to establish HER, a feminine health organization that provides period products, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to underserved women. Under her leadership, HER developed low-cost menstrual pads made from upcycled sugarcane waste. With a team of former inmates sewing reusable pads, HER has distributed over 10,000 reusable and sugarcane fiber pads in five countries.
Empowering Youth Voices:
Pear’s role as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thailand’s 1st Interscholastic Newspaper, “The Union International,” exemplifies her commitment to empowering young voices. The newspaper, with 140+ staff members from diverse backgrounds, addresses issues like burn-out, bullying, and identity, fostering meaningful discourse and shaping socially-responsible journalists.
Seribelle Social Enterprise:
In addition to her other endeavors, Pear founded Seribelle, a social enterprise supporting local Thai silk farmers and former female prisoners. The company’s organic skincare line, featuring sericin, a natural protein from silk cocoons, promotes sustainable agricultural practices and offers employment opportunities for former inmates.
Honors and Recognition:
Pear’s dedication and achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. She received The Diana Award ’22 and was honored with the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia. As an ambassador for UN Women’s 30 for 2030 Network and a Young Global Changer, she’s recognized alongside leaders from large corporations.
Advocating for Philosophy in Education:
Pear’s involvement as a Thailand Ambassador and Media/Outreach Lead for The Cogito Society reflects her advocacy for philosophical discussions in classrooms to foster critical thinking skills. She aims to inspire deep inquiry and thoughtful discourse among students.
5 Leadership Skill
- Passionate Advocate for Menstrual Justice and Social Equity
- Inspiring Leader in Nonprofit and Media Sectors
- Innovative Problem Solver and Social Entrepreneur
- Global Collaborator with a Cross-Border Perspective
- Resilient and Dedicated Changemaker in Multiple Fields
Editorial Note:
Manyasiri (Pear) Chotbunwong is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. Her dedication to menstrual justice, youth empowerment, and social entrepreneurship underscores her commitment to creating a better world. Her numerous accolades and positions as an ambassador and leader in various initiatives exemplify her outstanding contributions. As she continues to lead change, Pear’s influence in breaking taboos and advocating for important social causes is undeniable.
