The Flow of Change: How GPF India is Transforming Menstrual Health in Urban Slum

Anjali
October 10, 2024
In the dimly lit room, a woman holds a uterus model, passionately explaining menstrual health to a group of women and girls from an urban slum.

GPF India members educate girls on feminine hygiene and eco-friendly sanitation products.

Menstrual hygiene remains a critical issue in urban slums across India, where traditional practices, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to sanitary products continue to hinder the well-being of women and girls. Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India’s recent Period Awareness Workshop, held in the DLF Ankur Vihar slum area, aimed to address these challenges through education and promoting sustainable menstrual practices.

The workshop, attended by local women, was designed based on the insights from a survey conducted with 53 participants. This survey revealed the socio-economic factors and knowledge gaps hindering proper community menstrual hygiene management. Building on these insights, the workshop addressed topics surrounding menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and the importance of sustainable menstrual products. By focusing on preventive care for conditions like polycystic ovarian disease and endometriosis, the workshop aimed to empower participants with both knowledge and practical solutions.

Three women and a child stand in front of a building, holding packaged items. In the vibrant scene, two women wear colorful saris, while the girl sports a T-shirt and skirt. Their gathering highlights GPF India's commitment to addressing menstrual health challenges in urban slums.

Women receive sanitation products from GPF India.

One of the key highlights was the workshop’s interactive nature. Using models, charts, and other visual aids, the facilitators broke down complex subjects into easily digestible information. The women actively participated in discussions, asking questions and engaging with the material. This interactive approach was vital, as menstruation remains a sensitive and often taboo subject in many communities.

The workshop concluded with the distribution of sustainable menstrual products, including biodegradable bamboo pads, reusable cloth pads, and menstrual cups. These sustainable alternatives not only address menstrual hygiene needs but also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of traditional, non-biodegradable sanitary products.

The environmental implications of conventional sanitary products are staggering. Each year, the average woman produces around 150 kilograms of non-biodegradable menstrual waste. In India alone, an estimated 121 million women and girls use eight disposable pads per month, generating approximately 1.021 billion pads of waste monthly and 12.3 billion annually. This waste, which is non-compostable, often ends up in landfills or water bodies, contributing to pollution and posing a serious threat to the environment.

By promoting sustainable alternatives, GPF India’s workshop is contributing to a broader effort to reduce menstrual waste. Biodegradable pads and menstrual cups offer a more

environmentally friendly solution, while also addressing the health and hygiene needs of women in underprivileged areas.

The success of this workshop marks a significant step forward in promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and sustainable practices in the DLF Ankur Vihar community. The positive engagement of the participants demonstrates the potential for community-based initiatives to create lasting change. As GPF India continues its work, the hope is that these women will not only adopt sustainable menstrual products themselves but also become advocates for menstrual hygiene in their communities, breaking down taboos and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Seven women and a child stand outside a building, some holding books, in an informal and sunny scene. With brick and concrete walls hinting at the urban slum setting, they're likely participants of a GPF India initiative focused on menstrual health awareness.

Women participating in GPF India period awareness program.

This initiative is a testament to the power of education and sustainable practices in creating meaningful, long-term change. By focusing on both health and environmental sustainability, GPF India is addressing two critical issues at once, ensuring a brighter future for women and girls in the DLF Ankur Vihar slum area.

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