Menstrual health remains one of the most under-discussed yet critical aspects of women’s wellbeing in India. Across rural and slum communities, many women and adolescent girls continue to face “period poverty” — the lack of access to sanitary pads, hygiene education, and social acceptance. As a result, they often resort to unsafe materials, skip school or work during menstruation, and live with feelings of shame and isolation.
To address this pressing issue, Care and Love Foundation is launching the Menstrual Health Awareness and Free Pad Distribution Initiative, a large-scale outreach program designed to educate, empower, and equip women and girls with both awareness and essential hygiene products.
With a total project budget of $25,000 (INR ~20,00,000), the initiative will reach 50,000–100,000 women and adolescent girls across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind because of her period.
To promote menstrual health awareness and eliminate period poverty by providing free sanitary pads and education on safe menstrual practices.
This initiative seeks to:
- Improve menstrual hygiene and health among women and girls in underserved communities.
- Create open dialogue that breaks the stigma surrounding menstruation.
- Ensure that every woman and girl can manage her period with dignity, confidence, and safety.
Rural, Urban Slum, and Semi-Urban Areas across Andhra Pradesh — with a focus on:
- Visakhapatnam District
- Vizianagaram District
- Srikakulam District
Key Components of the Project
1. Awareness Sessions on Menstrual Health
- Conduct workshops and interactive sessions in schools, community centers, and rural villages.
- Educate participants on:
- Menstrual hygiene and health practices
- Safe use and disposal of sanitary pads
- Importance of balanced nutrition and personal hygiene
- Menstrual hygiene and health practices
- Distribute informative booklets and visual guides designed for easy understanding.
These sessions will be led by trained health educators, community volunteers, and women leaders, creating a safe, judgment-free space for open discussion.
Key Components of the Project
2. Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Drive
- Target Distribution: 1,000,000 (10 lakh) sanitary pads
- Estimated Cost per Pad: ₹2 (approx. $0.025)
- Total Budget: $25,000 (INR ~20,00,000)
- Target Beneficiaries: 50,000–100,000 women and adolescent girls
Each beneficiary will receive a multi-month supply of pads, ensuring consistent and hygienic menstrual management.
3. Community Engagement & Local Partnerships
- Mobilize women volunteers, health workers, and local youth to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns.
- Collaborate with schools, self-help groups (SHGs), and local NGOs to expand outreach and build sustainable community ownership.
- Conduct “Menstrual Health Days” in villages and schools to normalize conversations around menstruation.
Through active community involvement, the initiative will help shift perceptions — from stigma and silence to awareness and acceptance.
Expected Outcomes Summary
- By the completion of the project, Care and Love Foundation aims to achieve the following tangible and social outcomes:
| Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| 🩸 1 Million Pads Distributed | Distributed free sanitary pads to women and girls from underprivileged communities. |
| 🌺 Improved Hygiene & Health | Promoted safer menstrual practices and reduced health risks caused by unhygienic materials. |
| 🏫 Reduced School Absenteeism | Supported girls to attend school regularly, reducing dropout rates due to menstruation. |
| 💬 Open Dialogue & Awareness | Empowered women and girls to discuss menstrual health confidently, breaking traditional taboos. |
| 🤝 Community Empowerment | Created a network of women leaders and volunteers championing menstrual dignity in their communities. |
Monitoring & Evaluation
- To ensure accountability and measure impact, the Foundation will:
- Track monthly distribution data and beneficiary reach.
- Conduct pre- and post-awareness surveys to assess knowledge improvement.
- Document case studies and stories of change for future awareness campaigns.
- Partner with local health departments for quality checks and medical guidance.
The Bigger Vision
- Beyond hygiene, this initiative is a step toward gender equality and empowerment. When women and girls can manage their periods confidently, they are more likely to stay in school, pursue jobs, and participate fully in society.
- Care and Love Foundation envisions a future where no girl misses school, no woman hides in silence, and no one feels ashamed of a natural biological process.
- Together, we can make menstruation a symbol of strength — not stigma.
