In many parts of the world, menstruation can be interpreted as an abnormal physiological occurrence. Young girls and women face a myriad of challenges regarding their menstrual management due to socio-cultural taboos and gender biases. We at Small Acts for Sustainability empower, educate and engage communities of girls and women on menstrual hygiene management. Countless girls and women across the globe lack access to proper sanitary products leaving them vulnerable and isolated during their menstrual cycle. Some menstruators resort to using rags from old clothes, newspapers and leaves which put them at a higher risk for bacterial infections and other adverse reproductive health outcomes. Often girls are embarrassed by menstrual leakage which can cause girls to miss more school than boys, contributing to a significant gap in their education. In India, more than 1 in 5 girls drop out of school after getting her period.

Our Work

Our project Empower Women Sanitary Solution provides young girls and women access to reusable cotton sanitary pads and information relevant to menstruation and their reproductive health. We teach local women to design and sew high quality sustainable reusable cotton sanitary pads. In some geographic locations the seamstresses are able to market the reusable pads as a sustainable small business enterprise. These efforts help the girls and women enhance their future and financial independence while contributing to their development and that of their communities. EWSS hosts workshops to educate girls and women about menstrual hygiene and the female reproductive system. In addition, we organize focus groups as safe spaces for young girls and women to ask questions in regard to menstruation, gain a better understanding of their bodies, raise awareness around stigmas and taboos, share personal narratives, and raise concerns about cultural and social norms. 

Our Impact

Watch video testimonials of the impact of our Empower Women Sanitary Solutions project.