Menstrual and environmental pollution, awareness programme by Vatsalya foundation and Hindustan Scouts and Guides members

Menstrual hygiene in India is something which needs to be addressed regularly. As there is still a lack of awareness specially in rural areas as the girls and women are still using cloth during their periods and compromise with their personal health.

Anokhi Prabir Patel, a 15-year-old social worker from Vadodara is on a mission to spread awareness in women about their menstrual health and also to count on the benefits of using biodegradable sanitary napkins. She said, Iam also a girl and know the importance of personal hygiene during the periods. Women in villages are using normal cloth and I thought to provide them biodegradable sanitary napkins which gives them an edge towards their health and also saving the environment.

A Commerce student Anokhi learnt the art of making biodegradable napkins and now gives training to the ladies. Till date she trained around 50 ladies and make them aware about the benefits as well as empower them to stand on their own feet.

They have organized an awareness program for the women of Bakrol village on Ajwa Nimeta Road near Vadodara city, where biodegradable sanitary napkins were given to 250 women by Swati Bedekar and Anokhi Prabir Patel for three months. In addition, women were trained on how to make these bio degradable sanitary napkins and dispose off in a way to control environmental pollution. This will help the women/girls become self-reliant. The women of the village have also participated in the programme in large numbers.

They have installed sanitary napkins machines for women outside 15 police stations in the city. At the same time, various programs are being carried out to create awareness among the women of the villages about how to be vigilant during menstruation.

Anokhi Prabir Patel- young Social Volunteer Vatsalya Foundation and HSGA LIfe Member, Swati Bedekar of Vatsalya Foundation HSGA Life Member, Neha Prabir Patel- Gujarat State Commissioner of Hindustan Scout and Guide, Kokila Pawar Life Member HSGA, and other leaders as well as members of Vatsalya Foundation and HSGA were also present on the occasion.