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Atmashakti

In many parts of India, the taboo around menstruation continues to affect the lives of millions of women, restricting access to basic hygiene and adequate care. Poor menstrual health and hygiene not only impacts women’s physical well-being but also limits their social and economic opportunities. At The We Foundation (TWF), we are dedicated to transforming these barriers through our core verticals in research, health, partnerships, and employment.

Addressing Poor Menstrual Health and Hygiene Through Action

Millions of women across India face a lack of affordable menstrual products, leading to high infection rates and other health challenges. Our health vertical is focused on providing essential menstrual products to women and girls, promoting safe hygiene practices at home, schools, and workplaces. By providing these resources, we aim to reduce infections and empower women to lead healthier lives.

TWF Verticals:

  • Research: We collect real-time data on women’s menstrual health and hygiene, which enables us to better understand the needs of women and their families, ensuring that our interventions are informed by accurate, ground-level insights.
  • Health: To prevent infections from poor menstrual hygiene practices, we provide women and young girls with high-quality menstrual health products. This initiative helps women maintain hygiene and dignity, regardless of their environment.
  • Partnership: Through partnerships with government bodies and corporate stakeholders, we tackle menstrual hygiene as a significant public health issue. This collaborative approach supports widespread awareness and community programs to address menstrual health sustainably.
  • Employment: In line with our vision for women’s empowerment, we are providing employment opportunities and entrepreneurial training to 10,00,000 women by 2030, focusing on government-recognized groups. This empowers women to support themselves and contribute to the community’s economic health.

TWF Impact:

  • Over 5,000 women are now using sanitary napkins regularly.
  • A network of 80 women has inspired 500 others to adopt healthier menstrual hygiene practices.
  • Strong partnerships with local and state government departments enable seamless transition and exit strategies for our programs.
  • Establishment of 75+ Government and Community-Based Support Institutions that promote menstrual health and encourage collaborative initiatives.

As a leading NGO for women’s health in India, TWF is committed to reducing stigma and enhancing menstrual hygiene practices through sustainable, community-focused approaches. By investing in women’s health, we are building a future where every woman can lead a healthy, empowered life. Join us in our mission to break barriers and build resilient communities across India.

Project Atmashatki : Angul

Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is crucial for women’s overall health and well-being. By practising good hygiene during menstruation, individuals can reduce the risk of infections, such as bacterial scars and urinary tract infections. Regular changing of sanitary products and using clean, hygienic methods help prevent discomfort and odors.

The WE Foundation’s objective was to empower girls and women by enhancing their menstrual health and hygiene and breaking the myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. The endeavours of awareness propagation and provision of menstrual kits resulted in the surpassing of the initial goal from 800 to 880 women.

On 4 th, 5 th and 6 th of August 2023, with the health of Odisha Livelihoods Mission, Angul Municipality and CSR support from Amritesh Private Limited, The We Foundation launched Project Atmashakti to advance the cause of health and hygiene among girls and women in Angul, Odisha. Project Atmashakti launched a sanitary napkin kit distribution and held a panel to talk openly about menstruation to help the cause of menstrual health and hygiene.

Project Atmashatki : Margherita

Poor alternatives to menstrual protection like newspapers and old rags increase the risk of infections such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. It can also have direct implications on reproductive health. Therefore, addressing these issues becomes extremely important.

The WE Foundation’s objective was to uplift the girls and women of Assam by enhancing their menstrual health and hygiene. TWF’s innovative initiative brought about a change of habit among 1400 women and their families in Margherita, Assam

A campaign like Project Atmashakti was never witnessed before by the inhabitants of Margherita, Tinsukia. On 16 th 17 th and 18 th August 2023, The We Foundation in partnership with Upper Assam Petro Coke Private Limited (UAPC), Margherita Municipality, Assam, and in association with DAY-NULM, Assam, launched Project “Atmashakti”, a menstrual hygiene campaign for adolescent girls and self-help group women at The India Club,Margherita, Tinsukia, Assam. Project Atmashakti initiated a behavioral change in adolescent girls and women who menstruate will now manage their periods with dignity without any interruption to their daily lives.