Period poverty is a silent crisis that affects millions of girls and women across the globe, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It’s not just about a lack of access to sanitary products, but the far-reaching consequences it has on education, health, and overall well-being. The lack of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) leads to absenteeism in school, increased vulnerability to infections, and a severe emotional toll as girls face stigma and discrimination.

The Impact of Period Poverty

In India, period poverty is a significant barrier for many young girls, especially in rural communities like those in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. With limited access to affordable sanitary products, many girls use cloth, ash, or other unsanitary alternatives, putting them at risk for infections and health issues. This not only impacts their physical health but also their emotional and psychological well-being as they face societal taboos and embarrassment surrounding menstruation.

Period poverty is not just a health issue—it’s an education issue. According to reports, one in four girls in India drop out of school after reaching puberty due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. When a girl is missing school, she is missing out on learning, opportunities, and her future.

What The Girl Foundation (TGF India) Is Doing

At The Girl Foundation (TGF India), we believe that menstrual hygiene should not be a privilege—it should be a right. We are working tirelessly to break the cycle of period poverty and empower girls by providing them with the resources they need to manage their menstruation safely and with dignity. Through the help of donors, volunteers, and partners, we have made substantial strides in addressing this issue.

Our Key Initiatives:

• Biodegradable Pads: We distribute eco-friendly, biodegradable sanitary pads to girls in rural communities, reducing waste and helping them maintain good hygiene. With your support, we aim to reach even more girls in need across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

• Awareness Campaigns: We are running awareness campaigns in schools, especially government schools, to educate students and teachers about menstrual health, hygiene, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding periods.
• Pad Vending Machines and Incinerators: We are working towards installing sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in schools to ensure girls have easy access to sanitary products and a safe place to dispose of them.
• Adopt a Government School: We are calling on individuals, corporates, and organizations to help us adopt government schools to meet the menstrual hygiene needs of the girls. By providing sanitary products, setting up vending machines, and organizing awareness programs, we can ensure that menstruation does not prevent any girl from reaching her full potential.

• Volunteer Opportunities: We invite volunteers to join us in spreading awareness, distributing products, and making a tangible difference in the lives of these girls. Your time and effort can bring hope to those who need it most.
• Influencers and Corporates for Support: We are reaching out to influencers and corporate organizations to collaborate with us. Your voice can amplify this cause and make a bigger impact on reaching more communities. Corporates can contribute through CSR funding to support our initiatives, including the distribution of biodegradable pads and the installation of pad vending machines.

How You Can Help:

• Individuals: You can support our efforts by donating to our initiatives or volunteering your time to spread awareness. Every small contribution matters, whether it’s organizing a local awareness campaign or helping distribute products in your community.
• Corporates: We invite companies to partner with us through CSR funding, which will directly support our programs. With your funding, we can expand our reach to more schools, ensure a steady supply of biodegradable pads, and continue our work in menstrual health education.

• Volunteers: We are always looking for passionate individuals to help us with our initiatives. Whether you’re organizing a fundraising event, assisting with distributions, or speaking up on social media, your efforts can help us make a big difference.

Join Us in Our Mission

At The Girl Foundation (TGF India), we are committed to eradicating period poverty and ensuring that girls and women can manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence. We need your support to expand our efforts and reach even more communities that are in desperate need of assistance.

We call upon corporates to invest in this important cause through CSR initiatives, influencers to use their platforms for awareness, and individuals to come forward and support us in any way they can.

Together, we can break the barriers of period poverty, reduce menstrual waste, protect the environment, and, most importantly, empower the next generation of girls to achieve their dreams without the fear or shame of menstruation.

Let’s make period poverty a thing of the past—join us today.