Project Baala: A real solution not insanitary - student led social impact
88% of menstruating women in India do not use any sanitary products, turning instead to alternatives such as pieces of rag, ash, sand and husk. The result is a 31% drop in productivity levels for working women and almost 25% of adolescent girls in the country quitting school due to a lack of any sanitary facilities (Nielson Corporation, 2015).
We created Project Baala to provide a two-fold solution to menstrual problems in India: Generating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene via workshops in rural areas; and distributing 3 reusable sanitary pads for women which can last for up to a year and a half.
Through Project Baala we seek to eliminate the trade-off between food, education and sanitary products that prevails in India.
Top 3 learnings:
1 Education plays a vital role in empowering women to be independent and confident.
2 The power of discussion and awareness plays a pivotal role in tackling stigmas attached to taboo subjects.
3 Never underestimate the strength of team work and perseverance, when faced with obstacles.