The Maanvi project brings affordable menstrual hygiene products to low-income communities in Northern India. By providing affordable, safe alternatives to cloth rags, educating people about their bodies, and destigmatizing periods, the initiative aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with poor menstrual hygiene, boost high school completion rates, and enable menstruating individuals to remain productive and engaged in their communities, regardless of whether they are on their period.
Sources:
A. Youthkiawaaz.com dated 2018 ;
B. Swachhindia.ndtv.com Dated 28 May, 2018 ;
C. https://help.unicef.org/ ;
D. https://m.times/ of india.com ;
E. Study undertaken by AC Nielson in 2010 on Sanitary Protection: Every woman’s health right.
My interest in public health led me to undertake a service project with the Vidya Roshan Charitable Trust (VRCT), New Delhi, in 2017. VRCT is an organization that advocates for the education, healthcare, and financial independence of adolescent women in rural India. As a classically trained pianist, I was inspired by research conducted by the Auditory Neuroscience Lab at Northwestern University demonstrating the benefits of early music education on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of students in underserved communities. I set up VRCT’s first music education department that provides regular lessons in music theory and performance to low-income girls on the outskirts of New Delhi. While working with the students at VRCT, I observed how the organization was grappling with issues of systemic gender inequity, fueled by oppressive gender norms and misconceptions about reproductive health. I witnessed how period poverty – a lack of education about menstruation and menstrual hygiene products – contributed to high school dropout rates, absenteeism, and morbidity associated with reproductive tract infections in this community.
A lack of menstrual supplies and menstrual hygiene awareness, the pervasive cultural stigma around menstruation, and the high prevalence of cloth rag use, perpetuated a cycle of poor health and educational outcomes for the adolescents that VRCT served. After consulting with physician mentors, public health scientists, and fellow service enthusiasts at Stanford University, I realized that with the support of community partners, resources, and training, I could develop a public health intervention to support menstruating individuals in rural India. The Maanvi project was born from a desire to provide affordable menstrual hygiene products to low-income communities in Northern India. By providing affordable, safe alternatives to cloth rags, educating people about their bodies, and destigmatizing periods, the initiative aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with poor menstrual hygiene, boost high school completion rates, and enable menstruating individuals to remain productive and engaged in their communities, regardless of whether they are on their period.
The number of sanitary pads we have distributed by the organization over the years
Pads distributed to 39110people
Pads distributed to 1500 people
Pads distributed to 1450 people
Pads distributed to 1450 people
Pads distributed to 1500 people
Pads distributed to 1000 people
Pads distributed to 1500 people
Pads distributed to 1960 people
Pads distributed to 1600 people
Pads distributed to 2072 people
Pads distributed to 2078 people
Pads distributed to 2080 people
Pads distributed to 2100 people
Pads distributed to 2115 people
Pads distributed to 2110 people
Pads distributed to 2115 people
Pads distributed to 2165 people
Pads distributed to 1980 people
Pads distributed to 1720 people
Pads distributed to 1500 people
Pads distributed to 1790 people
Pads distributed to 1833 people
Pads distributed to 1125 people
Pads distributed to 367 people
We have access to affordable pads thanks to the vending machine installed at VRCT.
We don’t feel stressed anymore since during emergencies, the vending machine supplies us with pads.
Thanks to Maanvi and VRCT, my daughter and I can use pads instead of pieces of cloth which was embarrassing.
Maanvi has saved us from infections from using cloths during periods by supplying us with affordable pads.
Since we switched from cloths to pads we have been saved from rashes, itchiness and other discomfort.
Thanks to Maanvi, we have switched from cloth to pads which make us feel better and comfortable.
Dear Maanvi Team, on behalf of OM Foundation, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of sanitary pads for our Girl Students. Your contribution will have a significant impact on the lives of many young girls in need. As you may know, many girls in impoverished communities struggle to access basic menstrual hygiene products. Lack of access to sanitary pads often leads to school absenteeism, low self-esteem, and even health complications. Your donation of sanitary pads has helped to alleviate some of the challenges faced by these young girls and has given them the opportunity to stay in school and pursue their dreams. Your support and commitment to our cause are deeply appreciated. Your support is instrumental in our efforts to empower young girls and create a brighter future for them. Gratitude !! Note: Translated from Hindi to English
Many people are not able to buy pads and some women use pieces of cloth or rags which are not suitable for women's health. They can cause infection. Maanvi has done a great job by donating us pads, thank you. Note: Translated from Hindi to English
Every month women go through periods, in which they have to take care of their health and sanitation, and if they do not take care, then have to suffer from many problems and diseases. Doctors always suggest that women should use pads during their periods. Maanvi, we are thankful to you for donating pads to us. Note: Translated from Hindi to English
Thanks to Maanvi for providing us with sanitary pads which we weren’t able to afford.
We collaborate with like-minded organizations whose mission and vision align with ours.