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Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) has been emerging issue across rural India and border areas in West Bengal are facing worst crisis. Lack of access to affordable menstrual products is directly linked to risk of contracting infections among women. They also face risks of severe health vulnerabilities arising out of the use of homegrown alternatives such as hay, dried leaves and old rugs.
Through our intervention, we inculcate correct MHM practices and introduce the concept of sustainable menstrual hygiene among women living at remote Indo-Bangladesh border villages in West Bengal.
With your donation we distribute locally-made SWADESHI Reusable Pads among disadvantaged rural community. These pads can be used for up to 3 years are more cost-effective than disposable options and provide an income- generating opportunity for local women. SWADESHI Reusable Pads are also environment-friendly as they do not contain plastics or absorbent gel. These are machine stitched using cotton, flannel and PUL (Poluethirane laminate).
What problem is this project trying to address?
In early 2020, few development professionals started this crowdfunding project to support the most underprivileged young girls living at seven Indo-Bangladesh border villages along trans-boundary Ichamati river under Hanskhali block of Nadia district in West Bengal. Girls living in this area had zero access to proper sanitary products during their menstruation period. So, the idea was to raise funds to provide sanitary pads among underprivileged girls in remote villages to have their periods with dignity.
How was our journey?
We aim to reach more women in the region and create awareness on proper menstrual hygiene management among them. We believe this effort will change the perception of people towards the existing taboos towards menstruation. Moreover, this project also generates alternative livelihood opportunities as well as develop capacity young girls those are making reusable pads in villages.
Your small donation can make a big difference in the life of the underprivileged girls and women. Let’s join hands together to support them to be happy and comfortable during their most challenging days of the month.
Follow our activities on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
Through our intervention, we inculcate correct MHM practices and introduce the concept of sustainable menstrual hygiene among women living at remote Indo-Bangladesh border villages in West Bengal.
With your donation we distribute locally-made SWADESHI Reusable Pads among disadvantaged rural community. These pads can be used for up to 3 years are more cost-effective than disposable options and provide an income- generating opportunity for local women. SWADESHI Reusable Pads are also environment-friendly as they do not contain plastics or absorbent gel. These are machine stitched using cotton, flannel and PUL (Poluethirane laminate).
What problem is this project trying to address?
- To ensure safe and sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions for women living at remote border villages among Indo-Bangladesh border villages
- To provide alternative livelihood options to young girls and woman through pad making
- To improve menstrual waste disposal practices of woman living rural landscape
- To educate girls and woman of menstruating age regarding sustainable menstruation, menstrual health and hygiene.
In early 2020, few development professionals started this crowdfunding project to support the most underprivileged young girls living at seven Indo-Bangladesh border villages along trans-boundary Ichamati river under Hanskhali block of Nadia district in West Bengal. Girls living in this area had zero access to proper sanitary products during their menstruation period. So, the idea was to raise funds to provide sanitary pads among underprivileged girls in remote villages to have their periods with dignity.
How was our journey?
- March – May, 2020: We distributed 3000 disposable sanitary napkins among disadvantaged women living under Hanskhali, Krishnaganj and Ranaghat-II block during first phase of lockdown as an emergency relief.
- June – August, 2020: We started awareness program with Sreema Mahila Samity on sustainable menstruation among 683 young girls living at seven villages (Silberia, Tangra Khal, Hazra Khal, Ramnagar, Kumari, Pakhiura & Chutipur) under Hanskhali block and they received 1500 reusable pads.
- November, 2020: With support of Anahat for Change Foundation we are able to train 17 young girls on reusable cloth pad making at Duttapulia in Nadia and made resources available for them.
- December, 2020: Our girls made around 1000 reusable pads after getting donated start-up kits from SVP India – Kolkata and these girls earned average one thousand rupees by sewing reusable pads.
- January, 2021: Our girls choose to promote their creation as SWADESHI Reusable Pads. SVP India – Kolkata and Anahat for Change Foundation helped us to launch this brand and we are able to distribute 500 dignity kits (a combination of two locally-made SWADESHI Reusable Pads, two face masks and one underwear) among disadvantaged women living at Bijoypur and Duleypara village in Krishnaganj block & Habaspur and Baranberia village in Ranaghat-II block.
We aim to reach more women in the region and create awareness on proper menstrual hygiene management among them. We believe this effort will change the perception of people towards the existing taboos towards menstruation. Moreover, this project also generates alternative livelihood opportunities as well as develop capacity young girls those are making reusable pads in villages.
Your small donation can make a big difference in the life of the underprivileged girls and women. Let’s join hands together to support them to be happy and comfortable during their most challenging days of the month.
Follow our activities on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
