School girls to benefit from Shaathi reusable pads

Shaathi Foundation has distributed its reusable pads to girls studying in PDB High School and Hazi Akram Uddin High School in Jangalia, Cumilla district so they can practice safe menstrual health. It was an interactive session where issues about menstrual health and hygiene were answered by the volunteer group.

In Bangladesh, many women and girls who menstruate face a range of challenges that may compromise their chances of completing school or their sexual and reproductive health. Period poverty including the shame and stigma that often surrounds menstruation create further challenges for girls, or their lack of sanitary products to help them manage menstruation.

Moreover, the use of conventional, disposable menstrual products is harming the environment. Most sanitary pads contain up to 90% plastic. The production of plastic and improper disposal of these products is causing pollution and filling up landfills.

To combat this problem, Shaathi Foundation has launched a program "Give pad, Gift hygiene" designed especially for underprivileged women and girls who cannot afford sanitary napkins at commercial pricing. With these softer, reusable and washable pads girls are able to stay in school and create a future for themselves.