India
In remote parts of India, young girls dread growing up. During their period each month, girls and women are banished into menstrual huts, often located at the fringe of villages. Isolated in the name of tradition and passed down through multiple generations, they are considered impure. Those who manage to remain in their communities are often too embarrassed to dry out their menstrual rag cloths after washing, thereby risking infection. They are excluded from religious and social events, and sometimes even banned from speaking to men.
Our solution
Educating Anganwadi Workers:
Conduct comprehensive training sessions for Anganwadi workers on menstrual health, hygiene, and the importance of breaking stigmas.
Provide them with resources and materials, including sanitary products, educational pamphlets, and interactive teaching aids.
Focus on both the biological aspects of menstruation and the social implications, emphasizing empathy and support.
Empowering Villagers:
Anganwadi workers, equipped with knowledge and materials, organize community meetings and workshops in villages.
Use engaging methods like storytelling, visual aids, and demonstrations to explain menstrual health in an accessible and relatable manner.
Encourage open discussions, allowing villagers to ask questions and share experiences, thereby normalizing the conversation around menstruation.
Regular Check-ins and Follow-ups:
Anganwadi workers conduct regular visits to households to ensure that women and girls have access to sanitary products and understand how to use them.
Monitor health outcomes and address any issues or concerns that arise, providing continuous support and education.
Collect feedback from the community to improve the program and ensure it meets the villagers' needs effectively.