Empowering Women in India at Every Stage of Life

May-March 2024

Menstrual equity is a significant concern in India, particularly impacting the empowerment of women and girls. In rural India, only 42% of adolescent women exclusively use hygienic methods during menstruation, and menstruation-related problems are widespread. Higher education increases the likelihood of using hygienic methods, but affordability remains a major barrier to accessing menstrual products. 

Empowering Girls at Every Stage

At the Desai Foundation we organize health and hygiene camps, livelihood programs, and community awareness sessions, which prepare women and girls in rural India for each stage of life and encourage them to dream beyond their circumstances. From March to May of this year our robust programs have furthered their impact touching the lives of millions.

Childhood

We lay the foundation for a lifetime of wellness with health and hygiene education as well as pediatric checkups. Our Bal Health Mela (health camps) transform learning about health into a fun and joyful experience, ensuring girls grow up strong and well-informed.

This quarter’s impact:

• Pediatric Checkups: 1,373
• Bal Health Mela: 5,479

Teen Years

We stand by girls as they learn about menstruation, breaking taboos and ensuring their education continues uninterrupted. Access to pads and menstrual hygiene awareness not only keeps girls in school but also keeps their dreams alive and thriving.

This quarter’s impact:

• Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Sessions: 55,503
• Distribution of Sanitary Pads: 303

Young Adulthood

We boost young women's dignity and confidence as they step into adulthood. Through creative learning and vocational training, or nurturing entrepreneurship, we ensure they are ready to conquer the world.

This quarter’s impact:

• Vocational Training Programs: 4,380
• Entrepreneurship Workshops: 454

Adulthood

Adulthood brings new challenges and opportunities. We provide tools for career guidance, financial skills, and entrepreneurship, helping women forge a future where they are the architects of their own prosperity.

This quarter impact:

• Career Guidance Program: 301
• Banking and Saving Education & awareness program: 299

Motherhood

As women embark on the journey of motherhood, we ensure a safe path through maternal health and gynecological camps. Their strength gives life, and our programs give them strength.

This quarter’s impact:

• General Health Camps : 2,650
• Gynec Checkup & awareness camp: 2,097

Next Generation

As empowered women raise the next generation, the ripple effect of their empowerment is timeless. Our education, stigma-breaking initiatives, and community development work today plant seeds for a healthier, more empowered world tomorrow.

Conclusion

We ensure that women and girls living in remote areas of India have the opportunity to lead dignified lives with access to medical resources, menstrual products, and technology. Our programs empower women and girls to learn new skills, improve their economic and social conditions, and challenge cultural stigmas. 

Links:

• Check out our New Website!