The Social problem :

The social problem exists in Satara and Bramhangaon villages of Chimur, Chandrapur, where 450 women and adolescent girls still depend on unsafe plastic sanitary pads. These disposable pads cause frequent rashes, infections, discomfort, and create large amounts of unmanaged plastic waste, harming both health and the environment. They also impose a recurring financial burden on low-income families. This problem has existed for many decades, but it grew significantly in the last 20–25 years when cheap plastic pads became widely used without awareness about hygiene, safe disposal, or sustainable alternatives. With each pad taking 500–800 years to decompose and an average woman using 5,000–7,000 pads in her lifetime, the villages face long-term waste accumulation and health risks. India overall generates over 12 billion pads annually, most ending up in landfills or open dumping areas.

The Social solution:

Ashay Social Group is working to replace harmful disposable sanitary pads with reusable cloth pads that are safe, hygienic, and eco-friendly. These pads last over three years, generate zero waste, and save monthly expenses for women and girls. The project will reach Satara and Bramhangaon villages in Chimur, Chandrapur, where 7,500 menstrual hygiene kits, each containing four cloth pads and a hygiene brochure will be distributed. Along with distribution, awareness sessions will educate women and adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene, environmental impact, and safe usage, promoting health, dignity, and sustainability in their communities.