Grameen Foundation For Social Impact

Menstrual Hygiene: The Days She Stayed Home

Sana, Age 13

Sana lives in a remote village where access to sanitary pads is a luxury. Her family couldn’t afford them, and no one had ever spoken to her about how to manage menstruation safely.

When she got her first period, she used an old rag because she didn’t have any other option.
It leaked while she was in school.

Sana felt embarrassed, uncomfortable, and unsure. After that day, she began staying home during her periods, missing four to five days of school every month. Over time, she fell behind in her studies.

“I didn’t know what was normal. I just felt I couldn’t go out.”

We met Sana during one of our school awareness sessions. She quietly listened and asked questions as she learned about good menstrual hygiene practices, available products, and sources of affordable sanitary pads. Equipped with knowledge about menstrual health and having access to quality sanitary pads, she now attends school regularly- fearlessly and confidently.

Good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, education, and dignity of girls and women. Equipping adolescent girls with adequate information, products, and skills around menstrual hygiene and its management enhances their self-esteem, well-being, and academic performance.

No girl should have to choose between her dignity and her education. But like Sana, thousands of girls stay home every month simply because they can’t afford a sanitary pad. Additionally, when you donate, you are not only supporting girls like Sana instead you are also uplifting a women entrepreneur, because all sanitary pads for this program are procured from a woman-led small business, helping her grow her livelihood and impact.
 

Donate Now!

Monthly Support: ₹324 / Girl

Breakdown (1 Month)

• Night Pads: ₹65 × 2 = ₹130

• Day Pads: ₹55 × 2 = ₹110

• Menstrual Health Education:
  ₹1,000 per year ÷ 12 = ₹84

✅ Total Monthly Cost: ₹324 / Girl

Be the reason girls do not miss school or play!