Inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call to action on India's 74th Independence Day, we launched the campaign "Chuppi Todo - Sharam Nahi Samman." This initiative seeks to address the alarming statistic that only 36% of women in India have access to sanitary pads, leaving millions to resort to unhygienic alternatives like husk or dirty clothes. Poor menstrual hygiene not only leads to infections but also contributes to the high rate of school dropouts among girls, denying them their right to education.
At Raise India Foundation, we are committed to breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and providing support to women in need. Through our campaign, we distribute Dignity Kits to female construction workers at industrial sites across Delhi and the National Capital Region. These kits include essential hygiene and sanitary items tailored to the specific needs of women and girls in each community, including 15 sanitary pads, undergarments, detergent soap, bathing soap, and a towel.
But our efforts extend beyond distribution. We conduct events and workshops that focus on menstrual hygiene and combatting the stigma associated with menstruation. In 2024, we have expanded our reach to slum areas, where we not only distributed Dignity Kits but also install pad vending machines and incinerators to promote proper sanitation practices.