THE PROBLEM :

Millions of girls and women from low-income families in rural areas across India do not have access to sanitary pads. This is driven by a “lack of financial resources” and a “lack of awareness of proper menstrual hygiene practices”. The cost of buying a sanitary pad every month is too much for them, even if they are aware of the need for the same. 

So how do we resolve this issue?

THE STORIES OF PRIYADHARSHINI AND KANIMOZHI:

“This campaign aims to impact many girls like Priyadharshini and Kanimozhi”

Reusable sanitary pads would bring a positive change, improving their health, preventing infections, and ensuring uninterrupted work and school days. With education on menstrual hygiene, they would gain awareness and overcome worries, fostering self-assurance and confidence to pursue goals for girls and women.

BACKGROUND OF PEOPLE IN SEMMENCHERY AND PERUMBAKKAM HOUSING BOARDS

The images above show the Semmenchery and Perumbakkam Housing Boards. Thousands of families from slums in Chennai were relocated to this area. 

The Perumbakkam and Semmenchery Housing Scheme, launched by TNSCB in 2011, aimed to relocate Chennai District residents to Chengalpattu District. However, the chosen resettlement site in Perumbakkam, situated 25 to 30 kilometers from their original homes, overlooked the location-specific nature of the affected communities' livelihoods, such as those dependent on fishing and carpentry.

This oversight has profoundly affected the resettled residents. The considerable distance from their original habitats has made it difficult for them to secure employment and sustain their traditional livelihoods. Household incomes are under pressure and for most homes meeting their basic needs is a impossible task. This leads to girls and women being forced to compromise on their menstrual hygiene -either by NOT using sanitary pads OR by using them repeatedly.  These circumstances have taken a toll on the health of these girls and women, leading to various health problems.

THE SOLUTION:

Pic : Shows the 5 sanitary pads that will be given.

This initiative is done in partnership with the Go Girl Foundation. They will provide “Reusable sanitary pads”  to these underprivileged women and girls. Each kit is unique as it contains 5 reusable sanitary pads - 2 for heavy flow and 3 for normal flow. The pads will last easily for 18 months, are environment-friendly, easy to store, and most importantly cost-effective. 

THE INR 500 COST INCLUDES:-

• The Production cost.

• Shipping charges.

• Cost of distribution.

• Training of beneficiaries.

Training and monitoring play a very significant part in the overall cost. The training will be done on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the usage of pads. It is done by women who speak their local language. The sessions are usually for an hour and will also have a Q & A session.

These reusable pads will last for 18 months.

Access to affordable reusable sanitary pads is crucial for promoting good health and well-being for all. Providing adequate menstrual hygiene solutions can help boost girls' school attendance, thereby promoting education and reducing gender disparity. This can help them contribute to their family income, leading to poverty alleviation.

WHY SHOULD WE USE REUSABLE PADS?

EACH PACK OF 5 COSTS INR 500 INCLUDING DISTRIBUTION COSTS, PRODUCTION COSTS, TRAINING, AND MONITORING COSTS.

All funding has 80G tax benefits.

COMPARISON:

PREVIOUS DISTRIBUTION DRIVES:

PIC: Students from Govt. Higher Secondary Schools, in Gokalgarh, Rewari district, and Mastapur districts in Haryana received the menstrual hygiene kits from their teachers and the NGO Coordinator. They were super excited about the training they had and the menstrual hygiene kits they received.

ABOUT ME:

My name is Niranjana Kandoth. I am 13 years-old and a Grade VIII student at Chennai Public School, Thirumazhisai.

I am very passionate about helping others, especially those who are less privileged than I am. Helping and benefitting others makes me truly happy. It is a joy to make a difference in another's life, to see them smile.

For women and girls in homes that we come from, sanitary pads are the norm and not a luxury.

For girls and women from poor homes, it is a luxury. To manage their menstrual needs they unfortunately are forced to resort to practices that are unhygienic and lead to health issues. The solution is to give them a menstrual hygiene kit that is cost-effective, lasts long, and is not too bulky. It impacts their health, education, and income ( no missing school or work) and gives them immense confidence.

The Hygiene kit that is being is unique as it is reusable. It has 5 pads - 3 for medium flow and 2 for heavy flow. It lasts for 18 months and reduces dramatically the amount of waste created (as otherwise pads are dumped every month). As they last for so long they are also cost effective. Disposable/Normal sanitary pads have to be bought repeatedly, cost INR 50-100 per month, and are very damaging to the environment as they create huge waste.

The cost of this hygiene kit (including distribution, training the women/girls, etc) is just INR 500 per pack of 5. The cost of distribution and training them is very high as it's done in small batches.

I request all of you to support my campaign. Let's come together and do our bit.

BENEFICIARY LOCATIONS:

ABOUT THE NGO:

Encouraging women and girls to lead a life with confidence and dignity to be able to participate in economic and social activities through menstrual awareness and innovations. Their objective is to make people aware of menstrual health and hygiene in economically backward societies. Not only do we empower women by educating them on menstruation but also provide an economical menstrual hygiene solution through crowdfunding and other partnerships.

TAX BENEFITS:

Funding for this campaign is eligible for tax breaks as GO GIRL FOUNDATION is a registered NGO and you can avail of benefits under section 80G of the IT Act. Foreign funding is NOT accepted.