Adolescent Health and Well-Being Initiative (AHWI)
Promoting Menstrual Hygiene and Preventing Anaemia
Why this program matters
The statistics tell a sobering story:
- 77% of menstruators in India face restrictions during their periods.
- 23 million girls drop out of school each year due to inadequate sanitation facilities and lack of access to menstrual products.
- Only 36% of women in India use sanitary pads, while the rest rely on unsafe alternatives.
- India generates 12 billion plastic sanitary pads annually, clogging landfills and creating significant environmental challenges.
- 71% of menstruators do not know what a period is when they experience their first one, reinforcing stigma and misinformation about menstrual health.
About the Initiative
Our Menstrual Hygiene and Anemia Prevention Program works on multiple levels to create lasting impact:
- Improving Menstrual Health Practices
We educate adolescent girls and women about safe and hygienic menstrual practices. Through expert guidance and valuable resources, we empower them to manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence, reducing adverse health risks. - Reducing the Prevalence of Anemia
Anemia remains a widespread challenge among adolescent girls and women due to poor nutrition and undiagnosed menstrual health conditions. Through awareness campaigns, we promote iron-rich diets, educate about menstrual blood loss management, and encourage healthier lifestyles. - Breaking Stigma and Raising Awareness
Misconceptions and taboos surrounding menstruation often prevent candid discussions. We create safe spaces for conversations, help communities challenge harmful social norms, and dispel myths around menstruation and anemia. - Increasing Access to Resources and Support
By providing affordable and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products, along with free health education workshops, we ensure adolescent girls and women get the tools they need for their health and well-being.
