Launched by the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) Dharni — which falls underneath the aegis of the state’s tribal growth division — the programme seeks to coach and educate girls about the advantages of washable fabric pads. Unlike typical disposable pads, the reusable sanitary pads are produced out of material, with leak-proof PUL materials, which reduces the danger of an infection throughout menstruation. Since the fabric pads are washable, in addition they go a good distance in direction of environmental sustainability.

The genesis of the programme goes again to February this 12 months, when ITDP performed its first workshop for ladies, that was attended by practically 70 adolescent women and girls from Dharni taluka’s villages equivalent to Kokmar, Chopan, Chaurakund, Tangda and Malur.

From stitching methods to understanding material requirements and high quality management measures, the ladies had been imparted coaching on crafting premium reusable interval pads and its advantages.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Richard Yanthan, assistant collector and undertaking officer for ITDP Dharni, stated the periods have additionally targeted on highlighting menstrual well being amongst tribal girls in addition to illnesses linked to it equivalent to cervical cancer.

Yanthan added, “The idea was to introduce them to the idea of menstrual health and create awareness about diseases like cervical cancer. Furthermore, the focus of our mission was also on sustainability as the washable cloth pads are not only good for the environment but will also be cheaper to use over a longer course of time, in comparison to disposable pads.”

Currently within the first stage, the second part of the undertaking — which seeks to give you a model title and market the product — is slated to be launched round May 28, which marks Menstrual Health Day.

As their first purchasers, in the meantime, the officers are eyein g to hyperlink the group to the ‘ashram shalas’, which function hostels for tribal girls.

“We are hand-holding the women to form their own groups and support themselves. For the initial clients, we are trying to link with the tribal hostels where the reusable pads can be supplied. While we are currently in the nascent stage, we would like to scale up further and take the initiative into other villages and reach out to more women,” Yanthan instructed Express.

Avinash Hatwate, one other official from ITDP Dharni, added, “One of the main aims of this programme is to educate and empower. As per the requirements of the women and the programme’s sustainability, we are undertaking the project in different phases. We are aiming to launch the next phase around May 28.”