Girls in rural India often do not have the means to afford good quality menstrual hygiene products. Families consider such spending as a waste of money, and these girls have to resort to using unhygienic means, such as cloth, filled with dried leaves, sand, or ash. Such methods make these girls more susceptible to harmful bacterial infections, causing a hindrance in their day-to-day activities. This, and the shame and taboo associated with menstruation, ultimately forces girls to either skip school, or drop out completely, upon the onset of menstruation.

Hi, my name is Ananya Malde. I am a 14 year old student in National Public School Bangalore, and a 1M1B Future Leader.

Through my project, Project Pragati, I aim to reduce menstruation related school absenteeism and dropouts, among rural adolescent girls, by spreading awareness about menstruation and supporting the use of eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products.

Through this fundraiser, I plan on supporting the menstrual hygiene needs of rural adolescent girls in Bharuch, Vadodara, and Kutch districts of Gujarat, in partnership with Gram Vikas Trust, Bharuch.

A contribution of a mere Rs 750 (USD 10) is enough to support the sanitary needs of a girl for one whole year. I strongly believe that access to clean, hygienic sanitary products will serve as an enabler for these girls to lead a healthy, dignified lifestyle and thus cut down on school absenteeism / drop-outs.

In order to reduce negative environmental impact, I will be distributing compostable sanitary napkins made from natural materials like cotton and bamboo, which are easy to dispose of and turn into compost within three months.

So please come forward and donate generously to ensure a bright future for these girls. Be a part of the change, keep a girl in school.