Anju Pandey’s remarkable transformation from a silent sufferer to a community leader was made possible through the dedicated efforts of organizations committed to social change. Supported by CIE India, the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) initiative implemented by CYDA provided Anju with information and confidence to rewrite her story. With unwavering guidance and leadership from Dinesh Nawale, Project Officer, at CYDA, Chitegaon, women like Anju found a platform to rise above societal taboos and health challenges.
Introduction:
Anju Pandey, a simple homemaker from Chitegaon village, lived a life typical of many rural women. She had a family of her husband, two children, and elderly in-laws. Despite having only completed her secondary education, she was actively involved in household chores and farming. However, her life was fraught with health issues, particularly related to menstruation. Lack of proper knowledge about menstrual hygiene often left her struggling with discomfort and health problems.
Challenges faced:
Anju’s menstrual journey was marked by numerous challenges. Being from a modest background, she had to rely on clothes during her period, a practice common in many rural households. Unfortunately, this caused her to face skin infections, rashes, and other health-related problems due to unsanitary conditions. Moreover, the economic constraints made it impossible for her to afford sanitary pads, leading her to feel constantly uneasy and unable to focus on her daily chores. Her health, both physically and mentally, was affected, and she lacked the confidence to address these issues openly with her family or friends.
Turning Point – The Training and Awareness Program
Everything changed for Anju in 2024 when she was introduced to the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) program through CYDA. The program aimed at educating women on the importance of menstrual hygiene, proper use of sanitary pads and methods of disposal.
Initially, Anju was hesitant and unsure about what to expect from the training. She had been using cloth for years, and the concept of sanitary pads was unfamiliar to her. But as the sessions progressed, she began to grasp the significance of hygiene during menstruation. She learnt about the potential risks of infections and the importance of switching to sanitary products for better health. During the program, Anju not only gained valuable information about menstrual hygiene but also learnt how to dispose of sanitary pads in an eco-friendly way. She was educated on breaking social taboos and the myths surrounding menstruation, which was still a sensitive topic in many rural areas.
Empowerment through knowledge
The transformation in Anju’s mind-set was immediate. She became an active participant in the training, asking questions, and absorbing everything that was being taught. As she began to apply the knowledge she gained, Anju started to experience noticeable improvements in her health. She no longer faced skin rashes, infections, or the constant discomfort that had previously plagued her. Her physical well-being improved, and with it, her confidence.
Anju was not only inspired to change her own practices but also felt a strong desire to help other women in her community. Determined to spread awareness, she decided to educate other women about menstrual hygiene. She began discussing the topic openly with her neighbours, family, and friends, helping them understand the benefits of using sanitary pads and maintaining hygiene during menstruation.
Impact and Outreach: The ripple effect of Anju’s actions was immense. As a result of her efforts, 25 other women from her village began using sanitary pads, which led to a significant improvement in their health. They no longer faced infections or the stigma of using cloth during menstruation.
Moreover, Anju took a step further in ensuring the availability of sanitary pads at affordable prices for women in her village. Motivated by the impact of CYDA’s MHM program, she began planning to start a micro business, where she would supply sanitary pads to women at a reasonable cost. This initiative would not only make sanitary products more accessible but also contribute to the overall health and hygiene of the community.
Her newfound knowledge also helped develop a more open conversation about menstrual health within her household. The family’s attitude towards menstruation became less stigmatized, and Anju was able to have open discussions with her children and in-laws. The positive change in her home set an example for others, showing that open dialogue about such issues is crucial for breaking taboos and promoting health.
Igniting a movement for change
She became an inspiration to many women in her community, especially the younger generation. Through her efforts, the youth in the village started recognizing the importance of menstrual hygiene and began to adopt healthier practices. Anju’s story highlighted the importance of education and awareness, as well as the power of knowledge to overcome long-standing societal barriers.
She experienced the mental shift that occurred when she understood the value of self-care and hygiene. The MHM program became a beacon of change, not only in her life but in the lives of other women around her. Through the Menstrual Hygiene Management program, she overcame her struggles with menstruation, leading to improvements in her health and well-being. But perhaps more importantly, she became an agent of change in her community, empowering other women to break free from taboos and embrace better menstrual hygiene practices.
