Empowering Women and Girls: Sustainable Sanitary Pad Distribution in Raghunathganj, Murshidabad.

Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental aspect of health, dignity, and empowerment for women and girls globally, yet it remains a significant challenge in many rural communities, including Raghunathganj, Murshidabad. Deep-rooted social stigmas, lack of awareness, and, critically, limited access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products collectively impede the well-being and progress of a substantial portion of the female population. Many women and adolescent girls in Raghunathganj are forced to resort to unhygienic and unsafe alternatives like old rags, ash, or even leaves, leading to a heightened risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, and other serious health complications. This not only jeopardizes their physical health but also profoundly impacts their educational attainment and economic participation. The lack of proper menstrual hygiene management often translates into missed school days for girls, contributing to higher dropout rates and perpetuating a cycle of limited opportunities. Furthermore, the embarrassment and discomfort associated with inadequate menstrual management can lead to reduced self-esteem and social isolation. Addressing this multifaceted issue is crucial for fostering gender equality and ensuring that women and girls in Raghunathganj can lead healthy, dignified, and productive lives. This initiative focuses on the sustainable distribution of sanitary pads, coupled with awareness-building, as a vital step towards breaking down existing barriers, improving health outcomes, and empowering women and girls to realize their full potential within the community.

Methodology: Empowering Women and Girls: Sustainable Sanitary Pad Distribution in Raghunathganj, Murshidabad

This project will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection for needs assessment and impact measurement with qualitative methods to understand the social, cultural, and personal experiences related to menstrual hygiene. The methodology is designed to ensure community participation, sustainability, and effective project implementation.

1. Needs Assessment and Baseline Study

Objective: To understand the current status of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) knowledge, practices, access to sanitary products, and associated challenges among women and girls in Raghunathganj.

Methods:

• Quantitative Survey:

  • Sampling: Stratified random sampling will be used to select a representative sample of adolescent girls (10-19 years) and women (20-49 years) from different socio-economic backgrounds within Raghunathganj. Approximately 300-500 participants will be targeted.

  • Questionnaire Design: A structured questionnaire will be developed, covering:

    • Demographic information (age, education, household income).

    • Current MHM practices (type of materials used, frequency of changing, disposal methods).

    • Knowledge about menstruation and reproductive health.

    • Access to and affordability of sanitary products.

    • Experiences of stigma or discrimination related to menstruation.

    • School absenteeism during menstruation (for girls).

    • Willingness to use sustainable sanitary pads.

  • Data Collection: Trained local female enumerators will administer surveys through face-to-face interviews.

• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs):

  • Participants: School teachers, anganwadi workers, local health workers, community leaders, women's group representatives, and shopkeepers selling sanitary products.

  • Focus: To gather insights on community perceptions, existing initiatives, challenges in MHM, and potential avenues for intervention.

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs):

  • Participants: Separate FGDs will be conducted with adolescent girls, young women, and mothers/caregivers.

  • Focus: To explore in-depth experiences, beliefs, myths surrounding menstruation, perceived barriers to MHM, and preferences regarding sanitary products.

• Market Survey: Assessment of availability and pricing of various sanitary products (disposable and reusable) in local markets to understand the existing supply chain.

2. Community Engagement and Sensitization

Objective: To build community acceptance, raise awareness about menstrual hygiene, and foster a supportive environment for the project.

Methods:

• Community Meetings: Regular meetings with community leaders, parents, and local stakeholders to explain project objectives, gather feedback, and ensure local ownership.

• Menstrual Hygiene Education Workshops: Interactive workshops will be conducted for adolescent girls and women, covering:

  • The biology of menstruation.

  • Importance of hygiene during menstruation.

  • Proper use and care of sustainable sanitary pads.

  • Safe disposal methods.

  • Addressing myths and taboos.

  • Sessions will be facilitated by trained health professionals and educators.

• Formation of Peer Educator Groups: Identifying and training adolescent girls and young women from the community to act as peer educators, disseminating MHM knowledge and promoting sustainable practices within their social networks.

3. Sustainable Sanitary Pad Sourcing and Distribution

Objective: To ensure a consistent and appropriate supply of sustainable sanitary pads to the target beneficiaries.

Methods:

• Product Selection: Based on the needs assessment, sustainable sanitary pads (e.g., reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups if culturally acceptable and feasible) will be chosen based on:

  • Sustainability: Reusability, eco-friendliness, durability.

  • Affordability: Cost-effectiveness in the long run.

  • Comfort and Safety: Hypoallergenic materials, good absorbency.

  • Local Production Potential: Exploring partnerships with local women's self-help groups (SHGs) for pad production to enhance local economic empowerment and long-term sustainability.

• Distribution Model:

  • Phased Distribution: Initial distribution will be accompanied by detailed instructions on usage, washing, and care.

  • Designated Distribution Points: Establishing accessible and confidential distribution points (e.g., schools, community centers, health clinics, SHG centers).

  • Regular Supply: Implementing a system for regular replenishment to ensure uninterrupted access.

  • Record Keeping: Maintaining records of distribution to track beneficiaries and monitor usage.

• User Training and Support: Practical demonstrations on how to use, wash, dry, and store reusable pads will be provided during distribution events and follow-up sessions. Clear pictorial instructions will also be provided.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Objective: To continuously track project progress, assess impact, identify challenges, and ensure accountability.

Methods:

• Process Monitoring:

  • Tracking the number of workshops conducted, participants reached, and pads distributed.

  • Monitoring attendance at education sessions.

  • Collecting feedback from beneficiaries on the distribution process and product quality.

• Outcome Monitoring:

  • Post-Intervention Surveys: Administering follow-up surveys (e.g., after 6 and 12 months) to the same cohort of participants to assess changes in:

    • MHM knowledge and practices.

    • Incidence of school absenteeism (for girls).

    • Perceived comfort and satisfaction with sustainable pads.

    • Reduction in economic burden related to MHM.

  • Qualitative Interviews/FGDs: To gather in-depth insights into the lived experiences of women and girls regarding the impact of the intervention on their daily lives, confidence, and mobility.

• Health Data Tracking (if feasible): Collaboration with local health centers to monitor any reported improvements in reproductive health or reduction in infections related to improved MHM.

• Stakeholder Feedback: Regular feedback sessions with community leaders, teachers, and health workers to gauge project effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Baseline and Endline Comparison: Quantitative and qualitative data collected during the baseline will be compared with endline data to measure the overall impact of the intervention.

5. Sustainability and Scaling-Up

Objective: To ensure the long-term viability of the project and explore possibilities for expansion.

Methods:

• Local Capacity Building: Training local women and SHGs in the production and maintenance of reusable pads to create a sustainable local supply chain and income-generating opportunities.

• Community Ownership: Fostering strong community leadership and participation to ensure the project continues beyond initial funding cycles.

• Partnerships: Forging alliances with local government bodies, NGOs, and health departments for sustained support and integration into existing health programs.

• Documentation and Dissemination: Documenting best practices, lessons learned, and challenges encountered to inform future interventions and potential scaling up to other areas within Murshidabad or West Bengal.