Our Project Goals Breaking the chain of silence The project aims to dismantle the culture of silence and stigma surrounding menstruation by raising awareness, building capacity, and fostering knowledge exchange on menstrual hygiene management. This involves empowering women and girls to speak openly about menstruation and participate in decision-making processes related to hygiene facilities and services. Creating a supportive environment Recognizing the significant impact of menstrual taboos on women's daily lives, the project seeks to create a supportive environment where discussions about menstrual hygiene are encouraged and stigma is dispelled. This will be achieved through engaging with communities via participatory channels such as community theater, schools, religious interactions, and interactive training sessions. Improving local awareness and knowledge Addressing the lack of understanding and knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene, the project aims to promote education and awareness through various community platforms such as schools, healthcare facilities, and community gatherings. This initiative targets not only women and girls but also men and boys to ensure comprehensive awareness. Creating women-friendly sanitation facilities Recognizing the importance of safe and private sanitation facilities for women and girls, the project focuses on improving access to facilities equipped with essential amenities such as water, hand washing facilities, locking mechanisms, discreet disposal options, and spaces for drying reusable menstrual products. These improvements aim to enhance women's comfort and dignity during menstruation. Advocating for policy change The project aims to advocate for policy changes at the local and national levels to prioritize menstrual hygiene management and ensure access to adequate facilities and services for women and girls. This involves engaging with policymakers, local authorities, and other stakeholders to integrate menstrual hygiene into broader health and sanitation agendas. Promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions Recognizing the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products and the challenges of accessing affordable products, the project seeks to promote sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions such as reusable pads, menstrual cups, and eco-friendly disposal methods. By promoting these alternatives, the project aims to reduce waste, improve affordability, and empower women to make informed choices about their menstrual health. Addressing cultural and religious barriers Cultural and religious beliefs often contribute to the stigma surrounding menstruation and may hinder access to education and resources. The project endeavors to address these barriers by engaging with religious leaders, cultural influencers, and community elders to promote acceptance and understanding of menstruation. This includes incorporating culturally sensitive approaches into awareness-raising activities and educational materials. Empowering community leaders and change agents To ensure the sustainability and scalability of the project's impact, the project aims to empower community leaders, teachers, healthcare workers, and other change agents as advocates for menstrual hygiene. This involves providing training, resources, and support to equip them with the knowledge and skills to champion menstrual hygiene initiatives within their communities and institutions.