Jignesh Mevani to launch menstrual hygiene initiative

A day before Women's Day, Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani will be launching a pilot menstrual health initiative in Bharkawada village of his constituency to tackle the problem of women using unhygienic material during menstruation.

Mevani, in a release, said this was his way of showing solidarity with the struggle of women many of whom kept fasts and Rozas for his victory during the election.

He will be addressing wo-men during a day-long awareness workshop for all the menstruating-age women of the village. Workshop will see an expert talking to women about menstrual hygiene.

Priyanka Jain, who is part of the Vadgam Vikas Samiti, formed to look into the development of the constituency said that initial survey revealed that women used a pad made of synthetic cloth which was very unhygienic for their monthly cycles.

"We decided that to offer the women sanitary pads made of cotton which is better and more hygienic for the hot, dry climate of Northern Gujarat. Moreover, these pads are reusable too and environment-friendly," said Jain who worked on the pilot project.

The woman sarpanch of the village accompanied by Mevani will also distribute sanitary pads made with eco-friendly, pure cotton fabric to all the women present. The Samiti has also decided to install sewing machines so that women can make these cloth-based sanitary pads on their own as an income generating activity. Interestingly, the MLA's election symbol was also a sewing machine.

"Eventually a trainer will come to teach the women how to make the pads. The women can then sell it to other women in various villages. It will thus help them generate additional income," said Jain who during her survey found that women were keen to get an additional source of income too.

FOR AWARENESS

• A release from the MLA said the aim was not just to generate livelihood for also smash taboos surrounding menstruation.