The report is an Outcome Report of the programme “Mahila Sahyogi” undertaken by Unicharm India Private Limited as their CSR initiative in Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The programme is being implemented by GlobalHunt Foundation. All the findings presented in the report are based on field visits, data analysis and interaction with the community undertaken by the teams of both Unicharm India Private Limited and GlobalHunt Foundation. The purpose of the report is to present the outcome of the project within the community.

1. Implementation Partner
ANNUAL REPORT
2017-18
SAHYOGI PROJECT
MAHILA

2. About Unicharm India Limited
Unicharm India was established in 2008 as an extended arm of the Japanese based Unicharm Corporation that has
extended its sale and services through baby and child care products, feminine care products, health care products,
cosmetic products, household products, pet care products, industrial materials and food-packaging materials. Unicharm
India Limited has launched products primarily in child healthcare with Mamy Poko Pants, Mamy Poko Baby Wipes and in
femininehealthcarethroughitsbrand'Sofy'
Disclaimer
The report is an Outcome Report of the programme “Mahila Sahyogi” undertaken by Unicharm India Private Limited as their
CSR initiative in Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The programme is being implemented by
GlobalHunt Foundation. All the findings presented in the report are based on field visits, data analysis and interaction with
the community undertaken by the teams of both Unicharm India Private Limited and GlobalHunt Foundation. The purpose
ofthereportistopresenttheoutcomeoftheprojectwithinthecommunity.
GlobalHunt Foundation (GHF) is primarily a CSR research and consulting organization, it has been established as a section
8 (primarily known as Section 25) not for Profit Company registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956. As a signatory
to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), GHF serves as a knowledge catalyst and engages its vast corporate
clientele with diverse multi-stakeholders to enhance their Corporate Sustainable Responsibility (CSR), GHF provides key
services on research, reporting programme designing, advisory, training and due diligence for its pan India clients
comprisingofleadingcorporate,civilsocietyorganizations,governmentinstitutionsandacademia.
About GlobalHunt Foundation (GHF)
Website:www.globalhuntfoundation.org
Website: www.unicharm.co.in
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A special thanks to Mr. Vijay Choudhary, Executive Director &
Ms. Preeti Negi, Head - HR , CSR & Customer Communication
Unicharm India and Mr. Sunil Goel, Managing Director,
GlobalHunt Foundation for providing their guidance and
supporttotheproject.
The implementation team Ms. Anuradha Gummaluri CSR,
Unicharm India and Dr. Pradip Kr. Sarmah- Advisor,
GlobalHunt Foundation for initiating the project within the
community. The local coordinators of the project for
supportingandimplementingtheproject.
Lastly, a special gratitude to all the Sahyogis for their
constant support towards outreaching the project to the
wider village communities, to the village communities across
Jaipur, Indore, Patna & Vishakhapatnam for accepting the
project and understanding the importance of safe
menstruation management and inculcating the principles of
theprojectwithintheirlives.

3. TABLE OF
CONTENTS
FIELD STORIES
We work as cotton batti makers. The battis that we make
are transported throughout India. These battis are used in
religious worship. We can't stop making battis during our
menstrual cycle as we get paid for every batti. However at
home we don't touch or apply sindoor or go for any
religiousactivity.
- A dichotomy between economy and religion in Bihar
We don't use sanitary napkin the red velvet cloth that we
use has much more reliability. In Rs 10/- we can buy a
product that can be used more than 5 times. The market of
red velvet cloth is so much that everybody rely on it than
sanitary napkin. We are not in the habit of using sanitary
napkinsomuch.
- A dichotomy between health and practices in Indore
- A dichotomy between geography and
preferences in Vishakhapatnam
- A dichotomy between social practices
and knowledge in Jaipur
4
Water is a very huge problem so other than sanitary
napkin we don't use anything. But the prices of sanitary
napkin is very high so we use products that are not very
high in price. Even when we buy a high price product then
wetrytouseforalongertime.
I cannot answer these question on menstruation. I have
recently got married and I cannot interact much with
outsiders. My mother-in-law can speak with you and she
canansweryourquestions.

4. Ms. Tanu Goel
Director
Sr. Director- Finance, HR & Expots
Mr. Vijay Choudhary
6
MESSAGE FROM
GLOBALHUNT FOUNDATION
Technology and its integration with our common lives have outreached our
imagination. Our dependency towards constant technological change has made us
more and more knowledge driven. For every aspect of curiosity, doubts and clarity in
our everyday lives we are adopting technology solutions that can provide us more
reliablesolutionsandresults.
However one of the limitation which Indian society still faces is accessibility of
This year too, forwarding the 3 core principals of sustainability in relation to menstruation, that is accessibility, availability
and affordability, the Mahila Sahyogi Project went pan India. Under the project the geographies covered were Indore,
Jaipur, Patna and Vishakhapatnam. In each location 3 villages were covered where in totality almost 80 knowledge
sessionengagingwomenhavebeenachieved.
technology to every section of society and women forms a large part of this inaccessible society. Whether it's about using
technology applications, operating technology hardware or driving knowledge sources from technology Indian women
and especially rural Indian women are ignorant about the same. They are still living in an environment where traditional
knowledge and practices are prevalent and sources of knowledge is completely inaccessible to them. Hence
malpractices combined with lack of knowledge and absence of correct knowledge has posed a major threat to a woman's
healthwellbeing.
Menstruation is one such issue among women that lacks adequate and correct flow of information. It has reach a stage
where right to safe menstruation has become a human right issue. Hence it has become imperative for the world to raise
girls'generationfreefrommenstrualmalpractices.
The experiences of diverse communities and the learning derived from the project interventions have been compiled in
this year report. It gives us immense pleasure to share the project findings with everyone and yet again to take this
opportunity in thanking Unicharm India CSR team for trusting GlobalHunt Foundation as a partner for promoting women
equalityatcommunity.
As a social organization GlobalHunt Foundation with the support of Unicharm India has been involved in addressing
menstruation as a social issue. Safe menstruation does not only includes access to right knowledge but also methods
thatarehygienicformanagingmenstruationthereforethroughknowledgecapacitybuilding.
In India 'Total Sanitation” has become a concern for overall country's growth. Several
key initiatives towards sanitation practices improvement have been undertaken at the
countrylevel.Howeverstillchallengesinrespecttowatercontinuity,qualityand
solid and liquid waste management have been persistent. These challenges further
addvulnerabilitiestothepoorsectionsofthecommunities.
Realizing a cohesive society has been a key guiding principle at Unicharm. Whether in
our philosophy, products or practices we have been continuously trying to reach
solutionsthataddressesthelargerissuesofwomenandchildhealthcare.
As an organization we can proudly say that not just as a socially responsible corporate but as a business we have been a
key contributor in improving the sanitation wellbeing of women and girls through our community intervention and
productservices.
Women is a key stakeholder for Unicharm in India. Irrespective of geography, colour, economics and age we have directed
our efforts that improves the quality through which they are managing their menstruation. By associating with diverse
social members & institutions we drive to bring women on a common platform where menstruation is equipped with
knowledge,resourcesformanagementandrightthroughprocesstowardssocialpractices
And for a women to live a dignified, healthy and productive life, it is essential for them to manage their menstrual bleeding
effectively. Hence when we speak about our social commitments we have been extensively investing and involving with
projectsthatcanreacheverysectionofwomencommunity.
Mahila Sahyogi is one such project through which we make rural women & girls enhanced towards menstruation. Our
diverse culture and geographies have generated so many practices and ideologies that make menstruation a very
complex subject. Therefore by undertaking extensive knowledge session, creating community mobilizers and
establishingwomenentrepreneurstheprojecthavebeenabletoalignwomenwithbestpracticesofmenstruation.
This year the project expanded its reach to 4 new geographies covering almost 30 villages and 10,000+ women and girls.
We are happy that through this project we are removing several misconceptions towards menstruation and enabling
womenandgirlstowardsabetterliferoad.

5. The strongest
actions for a woman
is to love herself,
be herself and shine
among those who never
believed she could
-Unknown
7
“
8
“When I got my first periods, my mother gave me a pad and said that I
will have this every month” is a very common voice that we hear. This
statement is a part of our lives and strongly highlights the world that
menstruation has created for us as a women. The situation is same
throughoutdiversegeographies,communitiesandfamilies.
Mothers, especially in rural India have been subjected to so many
social taboos and perceptions in respect to menstruation that when
they communicate with their daughters they converse it as an
embarrassment, secret and impure problem. In schools the teachers,
whether male or female, are hesitant and bounded by the same social
notions which restricts them to explain menstruation as an important
aspectofagirl'slife.
Furthermore the project needs to be understood in three aspect
Community
Knowledge
Assessment
Awarenesses
Knowledge
Provision
Accessability
Product Presence
& Price
Availability
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
To expand the 'Mahila Sahyogi' project across India
To ensure safe menstrual hygiene among women
To create accessibility and affordability in respect sanitary products
To create women entrepreneurs across project locations
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Lack of understanding on the process of menstruation
Shyness and embarrassment to speak with other women related to menstrual issues
Several myths and taboos followed during menstruation that holds no relevancy
Non availability safe sanitary products within village premises
THE COMMUNITY CHALLENGES OVERCOME
Non-acceptability towards menstruation as a normal course has made it difficult for a menarche to gain the correct
knowledge. The most reliable source of knowledge transmission is family, relatives and friends and this is passed on from
one generation to another generation. They get access to diverse aspect of knowledge which does not clear out which is the
correctorthebadone.Moreovermythsandtaboosattheirfamilylevelcreateadichotomy.
Also when the first form of information is given to a menarche then it is communicated in such a way, preloaded with shame,
that a girl finds it difficult to ask a question in general. However with the support of technology and internet girls are gaining
access to information. But here again availability of too much and varied kind of information makes it difficult for a girl to
understandthatwhatiscorrectpertainingtomenstruation
The project aims to mobilize village women and adolescent girls on the menstrual related issues, create a system that
addresses menstruation in its socio-cultural and economic aspects and recognize women entrepreneur within the village,
whocanfacilitatesafesanitaryproductswithinthecommunity.
Thus, to initiate menstrual hygiene awareness session among village women Unicharm, as a social citizen, has developed a
CSR programme “Mahila Sahyogi Project” for diverse communities across India. The project aims to bring women & girls
closertomenstruationwheretheyacceptmenstruationasanaturalnormalcourseintheirlives.

6. 9
Identification of villages
Community relation building
Identification of village coordinators
Product Facilitation
Project Monitoring
Project Sponsor
Session Content Development
Relation building with local coordinators
Monthly Training
Product Channelization
PROJECT PARTNERS
Community Mobilization
Undertaking Baseline survey
Identifying Mahila Sahyogi
Managing Monthly Sales
Project Implementation
Village Level Entrepreneurs
Making sanitary products available
Sharing product requirement with
local coordinator
Taking feedbacks from village community
Community
Project Beneficiaries
Local Village Coordinators
Mahila Sahyogi
10
PROJECT LOCATIONS
In Patna more villages were covered because as per the village selection criteria, a
village should have a population of 5000. Since the villages for intervention did not fall
underthiscriteriahencemorevillageswerecovered.
PATNA
Sabalpur
Fatehjungpura
Alampur
Gulmahiya Chak
Baster
Natha Chak
INDORE
Rangwasa
Kodaria
Gawali Palasya
VISHAKHAPATNAM
Sabbavaram
Parawada
Hummapala
JAIPUR
Niwaru
Boytawala
Mansarampura
Village House Resident Panchayat Mobility Shops Type Occupation Schools Water Family Market
Yes
No
No
Clinic Women Working Status
Regular
Regular
Regular
Sabbavaram
Parawada
Both
Both
Both
Office
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Big & Small
Kiosks
Kiosks
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Both
Both
Both
Thummapala
Sabalpur
Fatehjungpura
Alampur
Natha Chak
Both
Both
Both
Both
Office
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Kiosks
Kiosks
Kiosks
Kiosks
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Both
Both
Both
Both
Yes
No
No
No
Seasonal & Non-working
Seasonal & Non-working
Seasonal & Non-working
Seasonal & Non-working
Yes
No
No
Seasonal & Non-working
Seasonal & Non-working
Seasonal & Non-working
Rangwasa
Kodaria
Gawali Palasya
Both
Both
Both
Office
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Kiosks
Kiosks
Kiosks
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Both
Both
Both
Yes
No
No
Seasonal & Non-working
Seasonal & Non-working
Seasonal & Non-working
Niwaru
Boytawala
Mansarampura
Both
Both
Both
Office
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Big & Small
Kiosks
Kiosks
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
All Type
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Patriarchy
Both
Both
Both

7. PRE-PROJECT PHASE
Undertaking Secondary Research
Project Location Finalization
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE
Preparing Project Detailing
Location Geographical Scan
Demographic study of the locations
Villages selection
Geographical positioning
Connectivity with city
Clusterwise presence
Village Population (not less than 5000)
Socio-cultural & economic profile
Women population rate
Unicharm briefing on the locations for the project expansion
Preparing project outline with the head office team of Unicharm
Undertaking training and briefing of location specific team of Unicharm
Sharing the potential list of villages with the Unicharm team
Taking feedbacks of the location team on the list of villages
Selecting the final list of villages location wise
Undertaking a preliminary field visit by the local Unicharm team to these villages
First field visit to the villages
Conecting with the village panachyat officials
Briefing them on the project objectives
Mapping & connecting aganwadi centres & health centres and local kiosks
Seeking their support to take up the inital community mobilization for session
Undertaking house to house community baseline survey, giving project briefing & inviting them for the session
12
Community Sessions
Undertaking first knowledge sessions on menstrual hygiene with the community women
Undertaking baseline survey on community practices & behaviour towards menstruation
Explaining the project objectives and understanding their challenges in respect to the subject
Identifying the local village level coordinator who will assist in further implementation of the project
Finalizing the village level coordinator
PROJECT
PROCESS

8. 13 14
POST PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
Village Withdrawal Strategy
Completion of village level sessions within community
Establishment of Mahila Sahyogi
Undertaking impact assessment from the sample participated in the sessions
House to house visit to Mahila Sahyogi in order to understand the project impact
Case study development
Building linkage between dealer, village level coordinator and mahila sahyogi
Product Facilitation within the community
Visit to local shopkeepers, beauty parlours and cosmetic shops
During sessions identification of interested Mahila Sahyogi
Local level mobilization by village coordinators
Undertaking product requirements from Mahila Sahyogi
Sharing the same with Unicharm & GHF team
Local dealer identification by Unicharm
Product Facilitation to Mahila Sahyogi
Planning and undertaking community level knowledge sessions in coordination with local village coordinator
Before every session undertaking baseline survey of the participants and capturing key session takeaways TIMELINE
Sept
-Oct
Nov-Dec
Jan-Feb
Baselinesurvey
communities
PreliminaryfieldvisittoNiwaru&Sabbavaram
Trainingsessionwithwomen Baselinesurvey
PreliminaryfieldvisittoRangwasa&
Sabalpur
TrainingsessionwithwomencommunityinNiwaru,
Sabavaram,Sabalpur&Rangwasa.
Mar-April
Trainingsessionwithwomencommunityin
PreliminaryfieldvisittoBoytawala,Parawada,
Boytawala,Sabbavaram,Parawada,Rangwasa,
Kodaria&GulmahiyaChak.
Kodaria,Sabalpur,GulmahiyaChak.
Baselinesurvey
May-June
July-August
Thummapala,Baastar,PakkiDargarh,
GawaiPalasya
Baselinesurvey
PreliminaryfieldvisittoMansarampura,
Trainingsessionwithwomencommunityin
Boytawala,Thummapala,Kodaria,Gawali
Palasya,Sabalpur,PakkiDargarh.
PreliminaryfieldvisittoNathaChak
Mansarampura,Thummapala,GawaliPalasya,Pakki
Baselinesurvey
Trainingsessionwithwomencommunityin
Dargarh&NathaChak.
Sept-Oct
Nov-Dec
Jaithuli
in Mansarampura, Thummpala & Puna De.
Baseline survey
Training session with women community
Preliminary field visit to Puna De &
Jan
Assessing the project outcomes within
communities
Gathering project case studies
Across locations.
Baseline survey
Training session with women community in
Jaithuli
A woman is
the full circle.
Within her is the
power to create,
nurture and
transform
-Diane Mariechild
“
14
Baselinesurvey
Trainingsessionwithwomen
communityinNiwaru,Sabavaram,
Rangwasa&Sabalpur.

9. SESSIONS OVERVIEW
Four geographies, diverse communities, varied practices and cultures but the understanding of menstruation is same.The
shyness to discuss results in girls to be unprepared for their first menstruation. They just blindly believe that every woman
is impure in during those 3 to 5 days thereby restricting themselves to several activities that holds no correlation with
menstruation.
However when discussed in depth we realize that every community has adjusted the cultural value system as their
convenience. While practicing religious based restrictions and taboos which is co-related with God and hence adherence
stringency is followed. But when it comes to income generation, social activities and health then menstruation is
neglected. Similarly our observations also made us identified that wherever women were working participants of the
family then there the situation & understanding towards menstruation is less loaded with taboos and myths. As in Patna &
Vishakhapatnam women are less inclined towards complete isolation from the society during their menstrual days.
Moreover wherever patriarchal system is existing then women and girls prefer to follow strict social, cultural and economic
restrictions,likeinJaipurandIndore.
Hence it was imperative that the communities across locations are aligned on a common understanding where they are
equippedwithcorrectknowledgeandcrosslearningaresharedsoastocreateanopenspace.
Module-I-Natural growth process of growth among children especially girl
Module-II- Information of menstruation
Whatispuberty?
Howdoesachildgrow?
Whatphysicalandemotionalchangesdoesachildwitness?
Femalereproductivefunctionanditsphase
Ageofachievingpuberty
Whatismenstruation?
Whatdothecommunitiesunderstandbymenstruation?
Firstexperienceofmenstruation
Whymenstruationisimportant
Howtohandlemenstruation
Module –III- Hygiene practices and disposal mechanisms
Howtodisposeclothorsanitarynapkins
Variousmechanismtomanagemenstruation
Hygiene&cleanlinesspracticestobemaintainedduringmenstruation
Pros&cosofcloth&sanitarypad
Module-IV- Myths & taboos associated with the subject
Performingreligiouspractices
Visitingreligiousplaces
Touchingpickle
Takeheadbath
Touchplants
15 16
Methodology
conductedwiththecommunitywomen's.Theendlineassessmentwasonasimilarlinewithbaselinesurvey
women.
Baseline assessment:tounderstandthecommunityandtheirmenstrualrelatedpractices
Resources:UnicharmIndiahaveadetailedpresentationinpictorialformatsforeasycomprehensionofwomenand
girls
sessionfeedbacksforms
CommunityMobilization: housetohousemobilizationbythevillagecoordinators
Language: duringthesessions,trainersusedrespectivelocallanguagewhilecommunicatingwithcommunity
Tools:flipchart,computer,communitylevelbookletsinlocallanguages,posters,baseline&endlineformsand
Batchsize: anaveragebatchsizeforeachsessionwasmorethan60
Session Timeline: eachsessionwasplannedfor45minutesto60minutes
Endline assessment:Tomapthelearningchangeoftheparticipantsasmallendlineassessmentsurveywas
Module-IV Diet to be maintained during menstruation
An investment
in knowledge
pays the best
interest
-Benjamin Franklin
“

10. A detailed study was conducted in every village to understand the knowledge and practices of women and adolescent
girls prior to the session. The baseline survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire format. The
questionnaire comprised of both close and open ended questions in local language of the village.The survey covered the
following:-
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE
House to house survey by the village coordinators at the respective locations have been done with the support of
AganwadiandAshaworkers.Thenumberofwomenineachlocationare
Information on menstruation- Averagedaysofmenstrualcycleandmenstruationflow.
Mythsand Superstition- Religious,socialandculturalpracticesfollowed
Demographic information- Age,Maritalstatus,Educationalqualification,Familyincome.
Sanitation and hygiene- Averagetimeofusingaproductinaday,hygienehabitanddisposalpractice.
Knowledge on menstruation-Sourceofinformationandpriorknowledgeaboutmenstruation.
Awareness on government programmes- Awarenessonmenstrualhealthrelatedschemes
Product information- SanitaryNapkins,ClothandTampon
18
570
658
517
1000
SESSION UNDERTAKEN
17
Rangwasa
Kodaria
Gawali Palasya
453
178
260
9
3
4
Total 1079 20
Villages Women Sessions
Sabalpur I
Gulmahiya Chak
Baas tar
Sabalpur II
Pakki Dargarh
Natha Chak
Puna De
Jaithuli
170
178
65
118
172
247
225
65
4
2
1
2
3
4
3
3
Villages Women Sessions
Total 1240 40
Sabbavaram
Parawada
Mansarampura
632
152
295
11
3
6
Total 1079 20
Villages Women Sessions
VISHAKHAPATNAM
Niwaru
Boytawala
Mansarampura
469
197
217
8
3
5
Total 883 16
Villages Women Sessions
INDORE
JAIPUR
PATNA
You can always tell
who the strong women are.
They are the ones you see
building each other up
-Unknown
“

11. What is Menstruation?
19
Is menstruation blood dirty?
Jaipur
38
1
39
22
Patna
8
9
71
12
Vishakhapatnam
4
34
41
21
Indore
9% NO
91% YES
Jaipur
16% No
84% Yes
Patna
6% No
94% Yes
Vishakhapatnam
31% No
69% Yes
If Yes, Then Why?
For how many days does a woman Menstruate?
Said to dirty
Colour & odour
Body Process
Dirty part excretion
Indore
12
26
58
1 to 2 Days
Dont’know
3 to 7 Days
Jaipur
11
84
5
Patna
7
78
15
Vishakhapatnam
0.6
95.6
3.8
Indore
12
24
26
38
Don't Know
Disease
Impurities Discharge
Blood & Taissues Discharge
Jaipur
38
1
39
22
Patna
6
7
77
10
Vishakhapatnam
82
2
3
13
Indore
18
7
56
19
According to you what is the normal cycle of menstruation
Indore
8
65
27
40 to 50 Days
15 to 20 days
22 to 40 Days
Jaipur
15
56
29
Patna
6
81
13
6
81
13
Vishakhapatnam
Indore
35% NO
65% YES
Jaipur
27% No
73% Yes
Patna
43% No
57% Yes
Vishakhapatnam
31% No
69% Yes
From whom did you hear about menstruation?
Doctor
Friends
Soical Media
Teacher
Family
Indore
5
2
11
65
17
Jaipur
0.6
1
22
76
0.4
Patna
13
6
9
49
23
Vishakhapatnam
18
4
2
55
21
Did You Know about menstruation before it started?
Jaipur
11% Yes
89% No
Indore
34% Yes
66% No
Patna
15% Yes
85% No
Vishakhapatnam
4% Yes
96% No
20
Does diet affect menstruation?

12. What did you use the first time?
What did you use now?
Indore
Cloth 80%
Sanitary
Napkin
20%
Jaipur
Sanitary
Napkin
43%
Cloth 57%
Patna
Sanitary
Napkin
17%
Cloth 83%
Vishakhapatnam
Cloth 97%
Sanitary
Napkin
3%
Vishakhapatnam
Cloth 14%
Sanitary
Napkin
86%
Patna
Cloth 36%
Sanitary
Napkin
64%
Indore
Cloth 14%
Sanitary
Napkin
86%
Jaipur
Cloth 11%
Sanitary
Napkin
89%
Reasons of using cloth?
Jaipur
20
35
16
29
Patna
18
65
8
9
Vishakhapatnam
39
30
19
12
Since menarche
Hygienic
Cheaper
Absorbs well
Indore
27
28
19
26
Reasons for using sanitary napkins?
Jaipur
24
29
23
24
Patna
14
31
27
28
Since menarche
Hygienic
Cheaper
Absorbs well
Indore
16
14
63
7
Vishakhapatnam
15
14
8
63
21
How do you wash dry the cloth?
Has the same cloth be used by someone?
Indore
Sun Dry
84%
In Shade
16%
Jaipur
In Shade
25%
Sun Dry
75%
Patna
In Shade
18%
Sun Dry
82%
Vishakhapatnam
Sun Dry
92%
In Shade
8%
Reasons of using cloth?
Jaipur
55
18
7
20
Vishakhapatnam
61
8
13
18
Indore
2
7
24
67
Reasons for using sanitary napkins?
Jaipur
13
12
0
75
Patna
17
7
64
12
Bury it
Bury it
Flush it
Wrap & throw
Wash & Reuse
Bury it
Bury it
Wrap & throw
Patna
66
11
6
17
Indore
5
4
88
3
Vishakhapatnam
10
61
7
22
Vishakhapatnam
12% Yes
88% No
Patna
20% Yes
80% No
Indore
11% Yes
89% No
Jaipur
51% Yes
49% No
22

13. Vishakhapatnam
26
9
33
32
Not Mentioned
Medical Shop
General Store
Grocery Store
Indore Jaipur
21% No
79% Yes
Patna
20% No
80% Yes
Vishakhapatnam
92% Yes
8% No
84% Yes
16% No
Do you go for education or occupation during menstruation?
Shyness
Weakness
No Toilets
Stain
No Disposal
Pain
Indore
23
3
19
9
32
14
If No, Then Why?
Jaipur
10
12
17
16
24
21
Vishakhapatnam
11
7
21
11
29
21
Vishakhapatnam
37% Males
63%
Females
Indore
12% Males
88%
Females
Jaipur
16% Males
84%
Females
Patna
25% Males
75%
Females
Who purchases sanitary napkins?
From where do you buy sanitary napkins?
Patna
6
7
9
33
29
16
Indore
32
34
22
12
Jaipur
11
29
50
10
Patna
19
29
35
17
23
Indore Jaipur
16% No
84% Yes
Patna
20% No
80% Yes
Vishakhapatnam
72% Yes
28% No
92% Yes
8% No
Do you feel ashamed to talk about menstruation?
Do you follow any myths or taboos?
Indore
23
76
1
Yes
No
Jaipur
Not Mentioned
84
14
2
Patna
29
67
4
28
60
12
Vishakhapatnam
Indore Jaipur
33% Yes
67% No
Patna
22% No
78% Yes
Vishakhapatnam
87% Yes
13% No
7% No
93% Yes
Are you aware on government schemes?
100% of community do not undertake any
religious activity during menstruation
96% of community do touch pickle &
special plants during menstruation
24

14. MAHILA SAHYOGI
These issues highlight that other than awareness women also needs a system that can address the availability and
accessibility of safe sanitary products within their village communities. Conducting session can only helpful to gain the
knowledge but facilitating the products with these community women which will help in managing their menstrual cycle.
Hence Sahyogis were created that act as the local agents responsible for maintaining sanitary products within their
premises.
Their primary role is to regulate and facilitate the product within community women so that the challenge pertaining to a
sanitary product is resolved. Not only do these women make sanitary products available but also enhance community
womenunderstandingonneedformenstrualhygienemanagement.
The village entrepreneurs or the so called 'Mahila Sahyogi' plays a very important role in the overall management of the
project. Our past experiences have highlighted that availability of safe sanitary products is a major challenge within a
village. During our demographic study and geographical based interactions with the local women and community we
found certain common pattern such as; women are not accessible to markets to buy sanitary products as it means 3 to 4
kms of travel, the women are dependent on small kiosks & parlours and use whatever product is available with them,
despite being economically well sanitary napkin is taken as an expense than need, the pricing of sanitary napkin is a reason
which pushes women to use a product for longer period, the women are shy to buy a sanitary product from a male
counterpartandwhileathomewomenprefertousealowvalueproduct.
Once the project with the help of local village coordinator have been established within a particular village then sahyogis
are identified who further carry the project objectives. They become a nodal of contact between large community and
village coordinator. Mahila Sahyogi maintain a track of change in behaviour, aptitude and knowledge among the
communitywomenandhowtheprojectcanbefurtherstrengthenedwithinthecommunity
The project included entrepreneurship aspect in this project because any community led sustainable program demands
that economic and income should be included. Since our target beneficiaries where women hence the product facilitation
have been channelized through income generation activity. Some of these Sahyogis through the project, have been able to
set up shops in their households where they keep women related stuff along with sanitary pads. Even the females within
the village community now do not have to go to main market to purchase pads. Instead now they purchase it directly from
theSahyogis.
Role & Responsibility of Sahyogi
Till date have
50 cartons
purchased generate average
They are able to
income of Rs 2000
sahyogi purchase
1 to 2 cartons
On an average every
Sahyogies are
reachable to 40 to
45 villages
Achievement
25 26
JAIPUR
BHARTI PATIDAR
Bharti Patidar
Neetu Choudhary
Archana patidar
Deepika Patidar
Rangwasa
Kodaria
Gawali Palasya
INDORE
DURGA DEVI
Niwaru
Boytawala
Mansarampura
Prachi Nawal
Lakshmi Devi
Gayarti Devi
Sadna Rajout
VISHAKHAPATNAM
ROZA LAKSHMI
Nagalakshmi
Seilendu Devi
Roja
Sabbavaram
Parawada
Thummapala
Sabalpur
Fatehjungpura
Alampur
Gulmahiya Chak
Baster
Alampur
Natha Chak
Mamta Kumari
Kusra Devi
Poonam Kumari
Asha Devi
PATNA
PAMMI KUMARI
LOCATION WISE RESOURCES & SAHYOGIS
Each time a woman
stands for herself.
She stands for
all women
-Maya Angelon
“
Enhancingexistingcapacitiesoflocalwomen
Communitymobilizer
Productfacilitatorwithinthecommunity

15. 4
STATES
VISHAKHAPATNAM
PATNA
JAIPUR
INDORE
Generated an income of Rs 1000 to Rs 1500
per month for each Sahyogi
4204 Women
Enhanced
18 Sahyogis
Established
Around 100
Community Session
16 Villages
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Previous
Scenario
Deliverable Objectives Outcomes Methodology
Awareness &
Sensitization
Menstruation was
considered as
impure.
Society lack basic
knowledge on what,
why & how of
menstruation.
Purchase of
safe sanitation
is still an issue.
Non-availability of
products
atreasonable cost
sanitary products
for female
members of family
was not a priority.
community.
To introduce safe
sanitary products
within targeted
To address the
availability of pads
both at individual
and community
level
issue of non
myths, taboos and
To break inhibitions
menstrual health
management.
constraints related
to the issue.
To discuss several
To spread
awareness on
what, why and
To introduce
To overcome
menstrual related
challenges faced
during daily lives
and regular
activities
how of
To educate on
menstruation.
menstrual
management
Through training
and capacity
building session
make women
understand the
meaning and
interrelated factors
and practices of
menstruation.
Build their existing
capacities to
manage
menstruation as
normal cycle in a
women's life.
products
accessible to all.
Making sanitary
affordable and
Create sustainable
Make sanitary
pads available to
system of
menstrual
management.
all.
Local household
Anganwadi
level interactions
with women.
workers.
Discussions with
Village Sarpanch.
Dialogues with
Mass community
level capacity
building sessions.
Creation of
Sahyogis to bridge
the gap of
unavailability of
sanitary products.
Training
& Capacity
Building
dissemination of
Bring menstruation
into women's
discussion which
was earlier lacking.
Create dialogue to
education.
To address myths
issue.
prevalent on the
& taboos and
spread knowledge.
Break the silence The area was
constrains.
silence was
observed.
largely overtaken
by social myths,
taboos and
A culture of
performs very low
in Sanitation area.
Menstrual Hygiene
Product
Availability
27 28

16. people.
poverty driven
products among
Lack of
cheap sanitary
accessibility of on safe sanitary
and disposal
To build expertise
products, usage
practiced at
practices of
To understand the
menstruation
village level.
household level &
To build and
identify key areas of
concerns in respect
to knowledge,
practice, attitudes
and most important
usage of sanitary
products.
prevalent among
challenges
issue.
To map these
practices through
interactive dialogue,
questionnaires and
field interview etc.
compiling diverse
An effort towards
perspectives
associated with the
Identification of key
the community.
Baseline Survey
Focused group
discussions &
informal meetings.
Awareness on
menstrual cycle.
The focus was on community
experiences with respect to
menstruation. The survey discussed,
feelings, challenges and societal
beliefs regarding menstruation and
MHM at home and society.
Enhance existing
life skills of women
and adolescent
girls.
Creation of
Sahyogis to bridge
the gap of
unavailability of
sanitary products.
Product
Availability
Myths
Addressable
social and
Menstruation, a
human right issue,
associated with
issue.
area to understand
practices
governance
is not a priority in
structures.
Lack of concrete
research in the
and map the
MONITORING TOOL
Description
Sl. No. Target Community Tool
The focus was on overall experience
of their association with the project.
The benefit they, the Sahyogies and
the community have received from
the project.
It will focus on overall experience of
their association with the project. The
benefit they have received from the
project.
Sales Chart, Questionnaire &
Focused Discussion
Sales Chart, Questionnaire &
Focused Discussion
Questionnaire
Village Women
Community
Main Resource
Sahyogi
1
2
3
Are sanitary products easily available with Mahila Sahyogi?
Has the project able to bring change in the way menstruation is perceived?
56% Yes
44% No
29 30
98% Yes
2% No

17. 32
CASE
STUDIES
She represented a community section that shows lower inclination towards change
and moreover when it is about menstruation than traditional source of knowledge is
the most reliable source. Also the since menarche practices have created an
environmentwhichwerepersistenttostay.
A patriarchal society where women are not allowed to discuss about certain subjects
in public domain. The control of husbands and fathers towards family status, income
and expenses restricts mobility of women in several aspects and one such aspect is
menstruation.
Name - Arti Devi
Age - 36 years
Village - Alampur
District - Sabalpur
Location: Patna
Name: Mamta Devi
Age: 25 years
Village: Mansarampura
District: Niwaru
Location: Jaipur
During sessions she got enhanced in her knowledge and practice capacities in respect to menstruation. Like her several
other women were sensitized as to how poor hygiene in respect to no bath, longer duration of not changing sanitary
products, using unhygienic cloth, most importantly vaginal cleanliness and the lifestyle & dietary malpractices can create
physicalaswellaspsychologicalseriousproblems.
However her menstrual health was not good as she was suffering from leucorrhea. Despite taking home based remedies
andmedicinestheproblemwasnotgoingawayanditwashermajorconcern.
Moreover with Sahyogi Mamta she is reaching more and more community women to adopt best menstrual practices and
healthylifestylewithintheircultureandlife.
When she came to know from Pammji (the local project coordinator) that a special session on menstruation is being held
for her community women, she then only decided that she will attend it and discuss why was she suffering from yellow
discharge.
Other than the knowledge enhancement received through the project she feels that her confidence to openly discuss
aboutitching,rashes,discharge,menstrualflowandwomenreproductiveorganisthekeytake.
From the project the major relief she got was that she is now able to buy sanitary product without any hesitation at a
reasonableprice.
If we study the community then they are very shy to discuss what are their knowledge level, issues pertaining to the subject
theyfaceandwhydotheyfeelitisnecessarytodiscussmenstruationatlarge.
Mamta like any other woman is guided by the wishes of her husband and mother-in-law where she is only allowed to
mobilize within her neighbors. During her interactions she states that buying sanitary product is a huge task for them as
they are not regularly allowed to go out of the house. It's the husband who goes to buy the product and he himself feels
embarrassed. So largely she opted for products which ever is available and when nothing is at resource then old cloth
becomeshandy.
This has also pushed her to use sanitary product for a large time duration so that the complete packet is consumed early
therebysavingherfromtheproblemofproductunavailability.
Moreoverthroughthesessionsshehasgainedinformationandknowledgewhichisgoingtohelpfultoraisehergirlchild.
31

18. 34
CASE
STUDIES
When we entered the community and during our first interactions with aganwadi
workers we realized that management of menstruation is very poor. Not only the
community performs very low at the knowledge level but also they use a velvet type
cloth to manage menstruation. The velvet cloth holds a large market share within the
communityasitislowinpriceandholdslongerdurationcapacity.
The maximum women community members represent working occupation where
they engage themselves in agricultural and fishery related activities.They represent a
strong union where word of mouth holds strong presence. If we go by the
demography then water scarcity is a huge issue which they face. Due to this women
preferusinglowcostlongdurablesanitarynapkins.
Name - Raveena
Age - 18 years
Village - Rangwasa
District - Rangwasa
Location - Indore
Name - B. Devudama
Age - 38 years
Village - Paravada
District - Sabbavaram
Location - Vishakhapatnam
veryimportantformenstrualhygiene.
Initially the team faced challenges in establishing cleanliness practices within the community but with the help of young
girlslikeRaveenaascommunityspeakersachangeinpracticewasforeseen.
The new menarche are being accustom to these practices and products which are unhealthy to their lives. Raveena is a
younggirljustoutofschoolandlikeherfamilyandfriendsshewasfollowingmalpractices.
In her school the teachers don't openly discuss the topic due to shyness. The mothers are followers of traditional sources
andfriendslikeherareunaware.
In our sessions we explained the reproductive organ of a woman, the cycle of menstruation, type of products available in
themarket,theprosandconsrelatedtoeachproduct,thedurationofchangingsanitaryproductsandwhycleanlinessis
During our sessions we came in touch with her and after understanding her overall opinions about menstruation it was
essentialforustoupgradeherandpeoplerelatedtoherinrespecttomenstruationknowledge.
And this one day is very important for them as they manage their families and other life aspects. So motivating them to
cometogetheronacommonplatformanddiscussmenstruationwasdifficult.
When we met Devudama we realized that she belonged to a community that is self-reliant, independent and open for
discussionbuttimeisamajorchallengeastheyonlygetonedayfromtheiroccupation.
The sessions were conducted on a holiday so that maximum women can be covered. The community was sensitized
towards menstrual practices and how good manufactured products can bring a change in their lives. Also one of the most
important point discussed was duration of using a sanitary napkin as most women were using a single napkin for more
than6to7hours.
Since word of mouth is strong form of communication among these women hence the women who participated in the
sessionwereabletomobilizelargercommunitytowardsmenstruationbestcasepractices.
Herethevillagepanchayat,aganwadiworkersandschoollevelsessionsplayedarelevantroleincommunitymobilization.
33

19. 6
PROJECT TEAM
ANNEXURE
SAHYOGIS SALES TRACKING
Total Sales
Mr. Vijay Chaudhary
Executive Director
Ms. Preeti Negi
Head-HR & CSR
Ms. Anuradha Gummaluri
General Manager-CSR
Ms. Ankita Sukhwal
Executive-CSR (Indore)
Ms. Sutanuka Sarkar
CSR Executive
Ms. Nitya Chawdhary
Executive-CSR (Jaipur)
Ms. Roshita Yadav
Executive-CSR (Patna)
Ms. Vijaya Durga
Executive-CSR (Vishakhapatnam)
Mr. Sunil Goel
Managing Director
Dr. Pradip Kr. Sarmah
Advisor
Ms. Mehak Kaushik
Programme Coordinator
Ms. Megha Kaushik
Programme Coordinator
Ms. Vidya R,
Research Associate
Location Name Month Year Coordinator
Name
No. of
Cartoons
Price Per
Carton
Jaipur
Indore
Patna
Vishakhapatnam
Patna
Patna
Indore
Patna
Patna
Indore
Jaipur
Indore
April
April
April
June
June
June
Sept
Oct
Dec
Jan
Jan
Feb
May
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2019
2019
2019
2019
Durga Devi
Bharti Patidar
Pammi
Roja Lakshmi
Pammi Kumari
Pammi Kumari
Bharti
Pammi Kumari
Pammi Kumari
Bharti Patidar
Durga Devi
Bharti Patidar
Bharti Patidar
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
3
1
1
4
3
4
37
1400
1529
1404
1340
1404
1111
1529
1404
4254
309.96
1560
1384
1500
1560
29985.96
1400
1529
1404
2680
1404
1111
1529
2808
12762
309.96
1560
5536
4500
6240
66161.96
Location Village Name
Jaipur
Indore
Patna
Vishakhapatnam
No. of Cartons
Sahyogi Name
Nagalakshmi
Seilendu Devi
Mamta Kumari
Kusra Devi
Poonam Kumari
Asha Devi
Prachi Nawal
Lakshmi Devi
Gayarti Devi
Sadhna Rajout
Bharti Patidar
Neetu Choudhary
Archana Patidar
Deepika Patidar
Sabbavaram
Thumpala
Alampur
Alampur
Natha Chak & Puna D
Patehjanpur
Niwaru
Niwaru
Niwaru
Niwaru
Rangwasa
Rangwasa
Rangwasa
Rangwasa
Total
Total
1
1
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
25
36
35

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