The old ways aren’t getting the work done..
Over 89% of Bangladesh’s 78.4 million women still use rags instead of sanitary napkins, compromising their health, productivity and dignity with the risk of embarrassing leaks and infections. The inability to access sanitary napkins and use of unhygienic materials causes chafing, urinary tract infection, reproductive tract infection and other reproductive health problems including infertility and in some cases cervical cancer.
They are forced into period poverty as they cannot afford sanitary napkins due to financial difficulties, cultural beliefs and lack of awareness. Period poverty including the stigma that surrounds menstruation stops women and girls from going to school or work, leading them to miss out on their education or vital income to support themselves or contribute to their communities.
At Shaathi Foundation, we refuse to accept the status quo. We believe that every women and girl deserves access to safe, hygienic and affordable menstrual products. This is why we have made it our mission to combat period poverty head on.
Our approach is different...
We do not simply address period poverty by providing products, we focus on building networks of support and empowerment. This entails more than just providing essential products, it involves cultivating a community that offers emotional support, education on menstrual health and empowerment through various initiatives. By prioritizing the development of these networks, Shaathi strives to implement sustainable solutions that tackle the underlying cause of period poverty and empower individuals to manage the menstrual health with dignity and confidence. This comprehensive approach has the potential to generate lasting positive effects on an individual’s wellbeing and overall empowerment.
Cultivate the Future of Women
At Shaathi we conduct free workshop to teach underprivileged women and girls living in Korail Slum, Dhaka to make reusable sanitary napkins under our campaign,“Give Women the Gift Of Independence” so that they have access to clean menstrual product, help protect the environment and create an income with the newly acquired skill and be financially independent.We have helped more than 500 women to learn to sew reusable sanitary napkins!
Advance Socio Economic Participation
In Bangladesh, approximately 41% of girls take absence from school during their periods. One of Shaathi's key campaigns is the Pad Bank Project, aimed at installing pad banks stocked with ample supplies of reusable sanitary napkins on school premises. This initiative targets the reduction of school absenteeism among girls by making sanitary napkins accessible to school girls during emergencies, thereby fostering their future social and economic engagement. To date, a total of 100 pad banks have been established across various schools in Dhaka.
Amplify our Voices: Menstrual Health and Hygiene Education
Shaathi has meticulously crafted a curriculum focusing on safe and clean menstrual hygiene practices, available in both English and Bangla to ensure comprehensive understanding. These sessions are thoughtfully designed to empower girls and women with the essential knowledge and skills for nurturing a healthy menstrual experience. With our efforts, we've reached over 50,000 women and girls across Bangladesh, sensitizing them on this crucial aspect of well-being.
Be a Part of #ShaathiSquad
Every day, our dedicated team members are taking small yet crucial steps to combat period poverty in Bangladesh. You too can join us in this mission! Become a part of our volunteer program and contribute to making a meaningful difference in the lives of girls and women across the country. Together, we can ensure access to proper menstrual hygiene tools and empower individuals to thrive with dignity and confidence.
We don’t accept the status quo.
We fight to change it.
Social norms greatly impact how girls manage their menstrual hygiene. Through partnerships with local organizations and advocacy work, Shaathi Foundation aims to challenge and transform cultural beliefs, customs, and legal structures that hinder girls' access to proper menstrual hygiene tools and equal opportunities for health and well-being.
We understand the challenges ahead of us. We recognize that there are no quick fixes or overnight solutions to ensuring that every girl in Bangladesh has access to education and is not held back by period poverty.
By 2030, we are committed to our goal of reaching 150,000 girls by providing them with safe, clean and sustainable menstrual products. We understand the urgency of this mission and are dedicated to making it a reality, ensuring that no girl is left behind due to period poverty.
Join us in making a difference! Explore opportunities to volunteer with Shaathi and contribute to our mission. Your support can help us reach more women and girls in need.
