Menstruation is natural—but in many parts of India, it’s still treated like a taboo. Girls miss school, face shame, and suffer from infections due to a lack of menstrual hygiene awareness and access to sanitary products.
At Doctors Foundation, we believe menstruation should never be a barrier to education, health, or confidence.
🚫 The Hidden Crisis
In rural and tribal communities, menstrual health is often overlooked:
- 60% of girls use cloth, ash, or husk as absorbents
- 1 in 5 girls drop out of school after they start menstruating
- Limited access to clean toilets and disposal options
- Deep-rooted myths and silence around the topic
This leads to infections, poor self-esteem, and lost opportunities for girls.
💪 What We’re Doing to Drive Change
Doctors Foundation runs Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) initiatives in schools, slums, and villages across Telangana.
1. Awareness Workshops
Interactive sessions for adolescent girls, mothers, and even boys covering:
- Menstrual cycle basics
- Safe usage and disposal of pads
- Nutrition during menstruation
- Busting harmful myths
- Encouraging open conversations
2. Free Pad Distribution
We distribute eco-friendly or low-cost sanitary napkins in:
- Schools
- Government hostels
- Tribal and slum areas
3. Hygiene Kit Support
Each kit includes:
- Sanitary pads (biodegradable when possible)
- Soap and undergarments
- Educational pamphlets
4. Training Local Health Volunteers
We train ASHA workers and teachers to sustain community-based menstrual health programs.
📖 Real Story: Rekha’s Confidence Restored
Rekha, a 14-year-old girl from a village in Nalgonda, had never used a sanitary pad before. She often skipped school during her period. After attending our workshop and receiving free pads, she said:
“Now I understand my body better. I don’t feel ashamed anymore.”
Her school attendance has since improved by 95%.
📈 Our Impact So Far (2023–2024)
- ✅ 12,000+ girls reached
- ✅ 2,500 hygiene kits distributed
- ✅ 80+ schools covered
- ✅ 300+ ASHA/volunteers trained
- ✅ 22% rise in school attendance during menstruation
This is more than hygiene—it’s empowerment.
👭 Involving Boys & Breaking Stigma
Menstrual hygiene is not just a women’s issue. We also educate boys and men to:
- Be supportive
- Avoid shaming language
- Promote healthy attitudes
Change begins when everyone is part of the conversation.
🌍 Join Us in Breaking the Cycle
You can:
- Sponsor a hygiene kit for just ₹100
- Help us install pad vending machines
- Conduct awareness drives in your locality
