Pune: This International Women’s Day, the Impact Guru Foundation (IGF) reinforced its commitment to menstrual health and hygiene with its Empower Her initiative. Focused on ensuring that every woman has access to sanitary napkins, the program aims to eliminate the stigma, health risks, and social barriers associated with menstruation.
Menstrual hygiene remains a critical issue in India, particularly in rural areas where access to sanitary products is limited. Many women rely on unsafe alternatives such as rags, leaves, or mud, which can lead to infections and long-term reproductive health issues. For young girls, inadequate menstrual hygiene products often result in missed school days, embarrassment, and isolation.
Through Empower Her, IGF has taken significant steps to address these challenges. The initiative has distributed over 10.3 million sanitary pads across India and provided hygiene kits to support 66,239 menstrual cycles. Additionally, 1 million sanitary pads are dispensed monthly through vending machines installed in 100+ railway stations across Northern India, with plans for further expansion.
Beyond product distribution, Empower Her is actively engaged in community education. The initiative conducts awareness campaigns, including workshops and counseling sessions, to challenge deep-rooted taboos around menstruation. Special efforts are made to involve men and boys in these discussions to foster greater societal acceptance.
Furthermore, IGF provides essential hygiene kits containing 216 sanitary pads, undergarments, soap, and educational materials, ensuring women can manage their menstrual health with dignity. The installation of sanitary vending machines at key transit points offers easy and stigma-free access to menstrual products.
“At IGF, we believe no woman should be held back by something as natural as menstruation,” said Sundeep Talwar, CEO & Philanthropic Advisor of IGF. “Empower Her is not just about providing products; it’s about ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to live, learn, and work without barriers.”