Provide Period Products across rural India

Introduction

The Desai Foundation’s Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) program is transforming how rural women and girls experience menstruation. By tackling stigma, increasing access to sanitary products, and raising awareness, the program empowers individuals to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. In rural India, menstruation-related challenges significantly affect women’s health, education, and well-being, with 23% of adolescent girls dropping out of school due to period-related issues and only 36% of women having access to sanitary pads. This program is working to address these critical issues and build healthier, more equitable communities.

Program Overview

At the heart of the initiative is the Asani Sanitary Napkin Program, which focuses on:

1. Production of Biodegradable Sanitary Napkins: Locally made, eco-friendly pads ensure women have safe and accessible options.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Menstrual health education sessions engage communities, including men and boys, to normalize conversations around menstruation and hygiene.
3. Economic Opportunities: Women are trained as napkin producers and distributors (Sanginis), earning a livelihood while contributing to community health and breaking the cycle of stigma.

Indirect Benefits

Beyond providing immediate support, the program delivers far-reaching, long-term benefits:

• Keeping Girls in School: With access to pads and better awareness, more girls are able to stay in school without interruption.
• Healthier Families: Awareness campaigns encourage hygiene practices that ripple out to benefit entire households.
• Promoting Gender Equity: Engaging men and boys in these conversations creates more inclusive and supportive communities.
• Economic Independence for Women: Women involved in production and distribution achieve financial stability and serve as role models for others.

Impact Highlights (September to November 2024)

1. Production and Accessibility:
• Over 9,00,000 sanitary napkins produced to meet the needs of rural women and girls.
• 10,298 pads distributed for free, ensuring that even the most vulnerable individuals have access to safe menstrual products.
2. Awareness and Education:
• 31,004 individuals were educated through menstrual health awareness camps, including over 1,000 men. These efforts help break taboos, normalize menstruation, and create supportive environments for women.
3. Economic Impact:
• 35 women trained in napkin production, gaining valuable skills that support their livelihoods and enhance their confidence.
• 18 women trained as Sanginis, becoming trusted distributors and advocates for menstrual health in their communities.
4. Improved Access to Sustainable Products:
• Over 66,500 women are now choosing Asani sanitary napkins, embracing healthier and eco-friendly options to manage their periods.

Conclusion

The Desai Foundation’s Menstrual Hygiene Management program is more than an initiative—it is a movement of transformation. By addressing both practical needs and societal barriers, the program is empowering women and girls to live healthier lives with dignity. These efforts not only change individual lives but also foster stronger, more equitable communities where every woman and girl can thrive. The journey continues, bringing hope and opportunity to more women with every step forward.

Links:

• https://thedesaifoundation.org/

The Desai Foundation’s Menstrual Hygiene Management program is on a mission to break down stigma, promote awarness, and empower rural women and girls in managing their periods with confidence and dignity. Through education and production distribution we are working towards a brighter future where menstrual hygiene stops no one. 

In rural India, menstrual hygiene challenges significantly affect women's health, education, and empowerment. The combined effects of societal taboos and limited access to menstrual products further heighten these issues, reinforcing gender inequalities across the country. In rural India, 23% of adolescent girls leave school due to menstruation-related issues and only 36% of menstruating women have access to sanitary pads. Our mission is to address these critical gaps, promote health and education, and support gender equity.

Through the Asani Sanitary Napkin Program, the Desai Foundation produces biodegradable sanitary napkins and conducts extensive menstrual health awareness campaigns. By engaging community members, including men and boys, we aim to destigmatize menstruation and promote hygiene practices. Additionally, the program offers income-generating opportunities for women, contributing to their economic empowerment while fostering financial independence.

From April to June of this year, the Desai Foundation has made significant strides in Menstrual Hygiene Management. In just three months :

• 117 women have gained crucial skills in Asani Production, empowering them to actively participate in creating sutainable sanitary napkins.
• 1,101 women have been trained as Asani Distributors, turning them into community advocates for menstrual health while also creating new income opportunities.
• 964 women have chosen Asani Sanitary Napkins, accessing safe and eco-friendly menstrual products that promote health and sustainability.
• 20,909 Asani Pads have been distributed at no cost, ensuring women in need can maintain menstrual hygiene without financial barriers.
• Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Camps have educated 28,734 individuals, helping to foster a culture of support, breaking the silence around menstruation.

Looking ahead, the Desai Foundation aims to extend its impact to millions more lives. This vision includes scaling of production to meet increasing demand, broadening educational programs to enhance health awareness and financial independence, and deepening community involvement to ensure ongoing progress in menstrual health management.

It is because of the support of our generous donors like you, that the Desai Foundation's Menstrual Hygiene Management programs continue to make meaningful strides in menstrual equity and women's empowerment in rural India. Thank you for your impact!

Links:

• Check out our New Website!