60 Dignified Days for a Woman

The onset of menstruation is one of the most important change women go through in her life but it is not limited to biological process. There are various external factors attached to the menstruation because of that women suffer a lot of problems. Issues include lack of knowledge, stigma, access to affordable and absorbent material, privacy to change, adequate washing, cleaning drying facilities, accessible disposable facilities.

 Menstruation is a mirror representation of the status of women in a particular society. Chandana from the Prajaghari village of Jharkhali in Sundarbans, work as bread earner for the family Chandana everyday go to catch fish and crabs. 100 km to the south of kolkata, those who catch fish in these creeks often come under Tiger attack. Chandana would risk her life every single day in an attempt to provide better education to her only daughter. A family of three, Chandana struggle for the basics. For menstruation she could use anything from mud to leaves. 

 In order to effect change and tackle these issues Chandana with the help of Goonj gather other women of the village and participate in Goonj’s CFW activity. Together they plant Mangrove trees. Chandana, at the age of 52 have become an inspiration for others.

 Chandana was very happy when she received Goonj’s My Pad after the CFW activity. For the first time in her life somebody had rewarded her with menstrual pad. MY Pad as a tool also impact the mindset of a woman. Chandana realize the importance of her health and why it is important to prioritize it. She is now taking stand for other women in the village. 

At present, Chandana has successfully inspired other women. In her locality, there are five families who are using MYPad. Chandana states, ‘There are numerous battles I have fought in my life. In order to keep my family going, I have to work in fields and rivers. I do not want to be a prey to tigers, I want to live with dignity.