NEW DELHI: In India, menstrual health remains a critical issue, marred by limited awareness, stigma, and inadequate access to menstrual products. A 2018 study by WaterAid India revealed that only 48% of women in urban areas and 37% in rural areas have access to sanitary pads.
Lack of menstrual hygiene facilities contributes to the dropout of approximately 20% of girls from school upon reaching puberty, as noted by Dasra in 2014. UNICEF’s 2017 survey highlighted that about 71% of adolescent girls in India are unaware of menstruation until they experience their first period, underscoring the widespread stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation.
Ujaas, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is making significant strides in transforming menstrual health in India. Launched in 2021, It has committed to addressing the pressing challenges of menstrual hygiene and empowerment through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Ujaas has recently inaugurated its first manufacturing unit in Jalna and launched ‘Ujaas Green’, a sustainable cloth pad brand in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The organization plans to expand its initiatives to other cities in Maharashtra and train 1,500 women in the region, providing them with skills and employment opportunities.
The initiative was founded with a mission to enhance menstrual health, empower women, and drive sustainable development, particularly in rural areas. Over the past two years, the organization has achieved several key milestones:
Ujaas has partnered with Johnson & Johnson to distribute over 500,000 sanitary pads in rural Maharashtra. Additionally, a collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has led to the establishment of a cloth pad manufacturing unit.
The initiative has made substantial progress in reaching communities, impacting 246,359 beneficiaries. Through these efforts, Ujaas has distributed over 4.3 million free sanitary pads, ensuring menstrual hygiene for countless women.
Ujaas has introduced the ‘Ujaas Menstrual Health Express’, a pioneering initiative covering 25 states and 107 cities across 27,000 kilometres. The Menstrual Health Express Van has traveled through diverse regions, engaging with local NGOs and distributing 250,000 free pads, directly benefiting over 1.25 million people.
The organization’s success is rooted in its collaborative efforts with local NGOs, which amplify its impact and extend its reach to grassroots communities.
Ujaas is poised to continue its mission of transforming menstrual health in India. By addressing the challenges of stigma, accessibility, and education, Ujaas is not only enhancing menstrual hygiene but also empowering women and fostering sustainable development.