Spreading awareness on the importance of menstrual hygiene and free distribution of 6-month supplies of sanitary pads

Menstruation is a very sensitive issue and to talk about it openly is still considered a taboo in India, especially when it comes to the rural areas! Most women are not comfortable discussing about it. Keeping proper hygiene in those days of the month is very important as any negligence can give rise to serious infections. Thus, with an objective to raise awareness on the topic of keeping menstrual hygiene & its importance, SETU organized a workshop in our training centers with women coming from different self-help groups & nearby villages. The training centers are based at Govindgarh, Malikpur and Kaladera… all located at a distance of about 60-70 kms from Jaipur, Rajasthan. The workshops were conducted on 4th December 2019.

The session was conducted by SETU team members. It was an open house discussion, where the women interacted with SETU team and asked questions. In the discussion, we explained how important it is to keep hygiene and also cleared the myths associated with the monthly cycle. Towards the end of the session, 6 full packets of sanitary pads were distributed to each woman, covering supplies for a period of 6 months.

The current initiative was part of a series of such campaigns, where women are encouraged to prioritize their own personal health & hygiene, along with the needs of their families.

A total of 92 women were part of the session. The participating women artisans belong to the underprivileged and downtrodden sections of the society. They are now able to do stitching and embroidery works after training workshops from SETU. The artisans here also use scraps from old fabric and can make doormats, wall hangings, pouches, headbands, purses etc. SETU provides them with raw materials and also helps in selling the produce. SETU believes that women have to be financially independent so that they can support their families and can take decisions on their own.