Support for menstrual health for girls in India

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Indian Dreams Foundation!

A girl menstruates on an average for five days a month, 12 months a year, and the menstrual cycle carries on till she reaches menopause in 45 – 55 years. Periods are normal and healthy, yet many girls across rural and urban India struggle to manage this monthly process. Mostly, the girls face Fear and shame caused by cultural myths/taboos and lack of information, lack of funds to source proper sanitary products, defaulting to unhygienic alternatives, lack of privacy by being forced to share toilets with boys, gynaecological issues and infections which can lead to early death and early marriages and pregnancies.

Although, the Smiley Days project helps underserved girls and women in overcoming the social barriers associated with menstruation. By providing them with the right information, products and facilities, we will ensure an equal opportunity for girls across India whilst contributing to reaching 4 key Global Sustainable Development Goals.

Alone, the Indian Dreams Foundation may seem impossible to reach the goal – but together, we can accomplish anything.

This week, we're inviting you to join us in a celebration of the power of small acts of generosity for the GlobalGiving’s Little by Little campaign. From today until Friday, GlobalGiving will match ALL online donations up to $50 at 50%. 

Donate today to support the Indian Dreams Foundation (https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/girls-health-and-hygiene-in-india/)

When we all come together with compassion, there’s no telling what we can do—but don’t take our word for it.  

“I go to school daily even during my periods also. Now I am more confident and feel proud to be a girl. A few years ago, I was ashamed and afraid of going to school during periods – fear of stains on my uniform, fear of leakage, fear of having menstrual cramps etc. Thanks, Smiley Days project for developing my confidence to realize the periods as a normal and natural process and a proud moment for every girl”, said Mamta (Name changed).

Your little act of kindness can make BIG differences in the lives of many underserved girls and women. Kindly support us during the Little by Little matching campaign between 4 – 8 April 2022.

Regards,

Team IDF

“Before, when I got my periods, I did not go to school, I was afraid of being humiliated, so I just stayed at home,” says Meena (name changed), a 17 years old school girl.

Meena is not alone, According to early research; many girls in rural and urban slums in India miss up to three days of school each month because they have their periods. The reason is multifaceted – safe, private toilet facilities are often not accessible at school and neither are commercial sanitary pads, which are an unattainable expense for many families. Girls particularly in rural areas often use unhygienic practices like rags or even dry leaves, paper to manage their menstruation, which is unbelievable as well as unhygienic.

Whereas, Cultural taboos that prohibit girls and women from everyday activities, including cooking or washing dishes, during menstruation also contribute to a widespread belief that periods are unclean. Misinformation and lack of knowledge about menstrual hygiene management lead to a negative impact on girls’ physical as well as mental health.

The SMILEY DAYS PROGRAM that IDF has been implementing with the support of donors like you is designed to break down the stigma surrounding girls’ menstruation while educating girls and women on their changing bodies and providing a hygienic and sanitary learning environment. Under this program, the girls are provided with Smiley kits that consist of sanitary pads, vaginal wash, soap, panty etc.  

“Some of my school girls and their mother were afraid to talk about the menstruation. But when we attended the Smiley Days workshop in the school and talked with the Smiley Days team, we feel comfortable to discuss on the topics and ask our issues on menstruation easily. Now my friends and I know the reason for menstruation and how to maintain hygiene during periods to stay happy and healthy.” Says Meena.

Thank you so much for your support that helps us in changing many lives in India.

Regards,
Team IDF