“Achaar matt chhuo”, “Avoid taking a head shower”, “Don’t go to places of worship”
The taboos around menstruation are sometimes funny, at other times unbelievable and most times both. And this is not just limited to India. Menstruation myths and mayhems have been prevalent and part of cultures across the world for years. Reports suggest that in India, only around 13% of girls are aware of menstruation before their first period.
In several countries, mostly developing, women's menstrual hygiene is often compromised due to costs, unawareness and societal taboos. However, things are changing - slowly, gradually and surely. On the occasion of the 10th World Menstrual Hygiene Day, it is time to break taboos surrounding menstruation and raise awareness of the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. Here are a few startups raising awareness among underprivileged communities and helping them amplify their impact.
StoneSoup: Named after the famous parable where collaboration turns simple stones into a hearty meal, StoneSoup is a Bengaluru-based social enterprise committed to revolutionising menstrual health and sustainability. With a focus on creating employment opportunities for women, StoneSoup addresses the pressing issue of sanitary waste, aiming to make periods shame-free, trash-free, rash-free, and cash-free for girls and women everywhere.
Their mission extends beyond providing sustainable menstrual hygiene products like menstrual cups, cloth pads and period panties. They are involved in educating and informing individuals, families, and communities about the benefits of sustainable menstruation practices. Through workshops, awareness campaigns, and hands-on assistance, the company empowers people to make informed choices that positively impact their health and the environment.
To date, they have diverted 12 million sanitary pads from landfills, significantly reducing environmental pollution. Apart from this, they also offer composting and gardening solutions, and daily care products.
Eco Femme: Eco Femme is a women-led social enterprise transforming menstrual health through washable cloth pads. Located in the quaint township of Auroville, the organisation merges environmental sustainability with culturally responsive solutions, reinvesting profits into menstrual health education for significant social change.
The journey began when Kathy Walking, co-founder of Eco Femme, faced the challenge of disposing of sanitary pads in India and started making her own cloth pads. In 2009, she met Jessamijn Miedema (co-founder, Eco Femme), an expert in rural development, and together they founded Eco Femme.
Their work is anchored by the following pillars:
- Organic cloth washable pads that are environmentally friendly
- Menstrual health education to promote informed choices and dispel myths
- Impactful social enterprise to fund educational initiatives
By 2023, Eco Femme had prevented 100 million disposable pads from entering landfills and reached over 120,000 women in India. Their pads, made by village women, are sold in 27 countries. The company is fostering healthier, more sustainable menstrual practices worldwide.
Anahat for Change Foundation: Founded in 2018, Anahat for Change is dedicated to creating an equal environment for young girls and boys across India, striving to dismantle gender stereotypes and discrimination. So far, the organisation has impacted over 4,500 families, primarily through its two major initiatives in West Bengal: Unnati and Udaan.
Unnati focuses on promoting menstrual hygiene management and sexual reproductive health rights among both men and women in the community. This initiative is supported by their successful brand, Anahat Unnati, which provides eco-friendly menstrual products that reduce plastic usage and support under-resourced women.
Udaan, on the other hand, aims to eradicate gender-based violence and discrimination by empowering women and girls. Through this project, Anahat For Change fosters environments where gender-based violence becomes unacceptable, promoting safety and equality.
The foundation offers hassle-free, sustainable solutions that contribute to a greener world while supporting women in need. By addressing both menstrual health and gender violence, they are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Saathi Pads: Founded in 2015 by MIT (US) and Nirma graduates Kristin Kagetsu, Grace Kane and Tarun Bothra, Saathi Pads uses innovative materials and zero-waste production to make eco-friendly sanitary pads. These pads are made from locally sourced banana fiber in Gujarat, which uses significantly less water and fewer fertilisers than cotton.
Biodegradable and compostable, the pads made from banana fibers sourced from local farmers in Gujarat, degrade within six months. Saathi employs local women to produce sanitary napkins, boosting job opportunities and empowerment. The team also conducts workshops to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene in rural areas. Saathi Pads supports a sustainable, circular economy while empowering local communities and promoting healthier menstrual practices.
Bliss Naturals: In 2021, a final-year college project by Niveda and Goutham evolved into a thriving business. While pursuing their BTech in Fashion Tech, they created biodegradable sanitary napkins from kenaf fibers. Inspired by a self-help group in Andhra Pradesh, they discovered that kenaf, traditionally used for pickles, had fibers perfect for sustainable products. These fibers were anti-bacterial and mildew-resistant, making them ideal for sanitary pads.
Concerned about the environmental impact of plastic sanitary pads, they surveyed students and working women, leading to the creation of Bliss Naturals. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a happy period and a comfortable napkin, the product is now FDA-certified, chemical-free, odor-free, highly absorbent, and biodegradable. Bliss Naturals has since expanded into a comprehensive feminine hygiene brand across India.
The Greenr Sustainability Accelerator Program by TechnoServe is proud to work with the above sustainable menstrual hygiene startups who are part of a group of passionate and innovative founders committed to working towards mitigating climate degradation.
These startups are supported by the Greenr Sustainability Accelerator Program by TechnoServe, to help them amplify their impact.
