Implementing Agency
Lokpanchayat
Adva Oda, Village Sangamner Khurd,
District Ahilyanagar – 422605, Maharashtra

Project Overview

Menstrual hygiene remains a significant challenge in the rural and tribal regions of Sangamner and Akole in Maharashtra. Limited awareness, inadequate sanitation facilities, financial constraints, and social stigma continue to affect the health, education, and well-being of women and adolescent girls.

Many women still rely on traditional menstrual materials due to limited access to affordable hygiene products. Poor menstrual hygiene management can contribute to health risks, school absenteeism, reduced participation in community life, and persistent gender inequalities.

To address these challenges, Lokpanchayat is implementing a one-year project across 25 remote tribal villages in Akole Block, Ahilyanagar District. The initiative focuses on improving access to safe and affordable menstrual hygiene products, strengthening sanitation infrastructure, promoting awareness, and encouraging positive behavioural change.

The project is expected to benefit approximately 10,000 women and adolescent girls from marginalized tribal communities.

Project Objectives:

• Improve menstrual hygiene practices among women and adolescent girls.
• Increase access to safe, affordable, and hygienic menstrual products.
• Strengthen sanitation infrastructure and menstrual waste management systems.
• Promote behavioural change and community awareness around menstrual health.
• Build the capacity of teachers, ASHA workers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and community stakeholders.

Key Activities:

• Conduct menstrual health awareness and education sessions.
• Facilitate access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products.
• Upgrade hygiene and sanitation facilities in schools and community spaces.
• Establish safe menstrual waste disposal mechanisms.
• Train teachers, ASHA workers, SHG members, and community leaders on menstrual health management.
• Engage families and communities to reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue on menstruation.

Expected Outcomes:

Quantitative Outcomes:

• 70% adoption of hygienic menstrual products among target beneficiaries.
• 50% reduction in school absenteeism linked to menstrual hygiene challenges.
• Upgradation of hygiene facilities in 10 schools and community spaces.
• Introduction of safe menstrual waste disposal systems in 10 villages.
• 40% reduction in urinary tract and reproductive infections through improved hygiene practices

Qualitative Outcomes:

• Increased awareness and adoption of safe menstrual hygiene practices.
• Improved confidence, dignity, and well-being among women and adolescent girls.
• Reduced stigma, myths, and taboos associated with menstruation.
• Greater participation of girls in education and women in social and economic activities.
• Stronger community support systems for menstrual health management.
• Enhanced social inclusion and improved health outcomes.

Beneficiaries

The project will directly benefit approximately 10,000 women and girls across 25 tribal villages in Akole Block, Ahilyanagar District.

Primary Beneficiaries:

• Adolescent girls (12–18 years)
• Women (18–50 years)
• Members of tribal communities in the project area

The intervention is designed to address their specific health, educational, and socio-economic needs.

Sustainability Plan:

To ensure long-term impact, the project will:

• Strengthen the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in menstrual hygiene product distribution.
• Maintain the supply of affordable sanitary products through Lokpanchayat's local production unit.
• Build the capacities of teachers, ASHA workers, SHGs, and community leaders.
• Promote community ownership through Gram Panchayats and local stakeholders.
• Encourage continued awareness and behavioural change initiatives beyond the project period.