A Walk Through the Centre

Before the session, I was taken on a walk through the centre. It was heartening to witness the diligent record-keeping ensuring the maintenance of cleanliness—a crucial aspect, considering the community it serves does not have toilets at home. These spaces are more than just sanitation facilities; they offer a safe environment, encourage hygiene, and even provide areas for breastfeeding mothers.

With the available open space, the centre has expanded to offer digital literacy, stitching, and beauty courses for the women of the Jahangirpuri and Naraina communities. This initiative not only empowers women economically but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community.

The Power of One now Sahas Bharat Read More here>>

The #LetsTalkPeriod Session

The session welcomed 30 incredible women from across Delhi—all of them managing these public toilets turned safe spaces. Over 90 minutes, we dived deep into menstrual health, aiming to educate, dispel myths, and introduce sustainable solutions. Using presentations, videos, and a silicone reproductive model, we discussed:

• The anatomy of menstruation – understanding flow, cycles, and the natural processes of the body.
• Common menstrual ailments and remedies – equipping them with knowledge to manage their health better.
• Myth-busting and cultural alignment – referencing temples, cultural events, and festivals across India that celebrate menstruation, reaffirming its sacredness.
• Introduction to the menstrual cup – explaining its benefits, usage, and maintenance as a sustainable alternative to pads and tampons.

Each participant was gifted a menstrual cup, making them ambassadors of sustainable menstruation in their communities. The enthusiasm was overwhelming, with the women eager to take this knowledge forward and advocate for better menstrual health in their circles.

A Ripple Effect of Change

The feedback was deeply moving. One of the women said, “Thank you for gifting us life.” Many of them are first-time earners, and their confidence is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and economic independence. I was told that the centre sees a daily footfall of 500 women and children, making it a crucial hub for driving change at the grassroots level.

As we posed in front of the toilet—something one wouldn’t traditionally think of as a celebratory moment—it struck me how spaces evolve when they are filled with purpose, dignity, and empowerment.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. With 30 women now equipped with knowledge and sustainable solutions, the impact will extend far beyond this single session. The commitment to menstrual health, sustainability, and community-driven change continues, and I am grateful to be part of this journey.

To all the changemakers—thank you. Let’s keep the conversation going.

About the Session Conductor – Simply Suparnaa

This session was conducted by Simply Suparnaa, a passionate advocate for gender sensitivity, sustainable menstrual hygiene, and social impact. She is the founder of the #LetsTalkPeriod movement, working to normalize conversations around menstrual health and empower communities with sustainable solutions.

Beyond menstrual health advocacy, she is also the founder-curator of SABERA (Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards & Summit), which recognizes impactful social and business initiatives across India. With over two decades of experience in media, advertising, and cause-driven initiatives, she continues to drive awareness and action towards women’s health, sanitation, and community empowerment.

The post #Let’sTalkPeriod: A Session on Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene at Garima Grih appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Women turn brand ambassadors of sustainable menstrual products taking the multi-billion dollar industry of disposables head on.

Listen to various stakeholders from the social venture investors, nonprofit sector, social entrepreneurs, and medical fraternity join hands in the spirit of collaboration debunking misinformation and talking of facts and personal experiences on sustainable menstruation in particular and Periods at large! Busting misinformation in pursuit of Ms information 🙂

The Simply Suparnaa © Media Network recently hosted an insightful panel discussion on the topic of sustainable menstrual products and their impact on the billion-dollar industry dominated by disposable products. The panelists, who brought a wealth of experience and expertise, shared their insights and experiences on the subject.

Dr. Meenakshi Bharat, a gynecologist with 35 years of experience specializing in fertility work, has made it her mission to advocate for sustainable living. In addition to her medical practice, she actively promotes waste reduction, composting, and the use of reusable products. Dr. Bharat’s commitment to sustainability even extends to organizing waste-free weddings for her children. Her valuable insights on the health benefits of sustainable menstrual products added great value to the discussion.

Sashi Rajamani, a founding member of Social Venture Partners in Bengaluru, brought two decades of corporate experience to her work in promoting social impact ventures and foundations. As the managing trustee of the Konrai Foundation, Rajamani collaborates with over 20 NGOs, striving to create a platform for promoting performing arts while addressing social and environmental challenges, including sustainable menstruation.

Dr Shanthi Thummala, initially trained as a dentist, took a bold step by leaving her job to lead the Swachh Siddipet campaign in collaboration with the Telangana government. Her expertise in waste management proved invaluable in streamlining waste segregation, collection, transportation, and disposal. Driven by her passion for environmental conservation, Dr. Thummala also spearheaded the sustainable menstruation campaign, aiming to address the environmental damage caused by sanitary waste in Siddipet.

Malini Parmar, with a strong background in the global IT industry and an education from prestigious institutions such as IIM-Kolkata and Delhi College of Engineering, decided to leverage her experience for social change. Co-founding Stonesoup, a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable living, Parmar offers a range of products that contribute to a greener future. As a single parent and advocate for sustainable menstruation, Parmar shared her personal experiences and insights during the panel discussion.

The panelists brought diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, creating a dynamic discussion that touched upon the health benefits of sustainable menstrual products, the environmental impact of disposable alternatives, and the empowerment of women as brand ambassadors for sustainable options. By challenging the status quo, these panelists are leading the way toward a future where women’s health and the well-being of the planet are prioritized.

You will also love reading about my experience with gifting cloth pads to girls with hearing impairment in Noida.

Psst : If you’re doing GOOD the SABERA jury is looking for your work to acknowledge you.

The post 17 K Crore industry of disposables- Do sustainable menstrual products stand a chance? appeared first on Woman Endangered.