Sanitary Pad Distribution

Our journey toward launching the sanitary pad distribution initiative began during an educational outreach program in one of the rural communities we serve. As we interacted with young girls and women, a recurring issue quietly emerged — the lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene products. Many of the girls confided, some hesitantly, that during their monthly periods, they often stayed home from school due to shame or the inability to manage their menstruation safely and hygienically.

Further discussions with school staff and community leaders confirmed what we had heard. In many homes, sanitary pads were considered a luxury. Girls were forced to rely on unhygienic alternatives such as rags, newspapers, or even leaves. This not only put their health at risk but also deeply affected their confidence, education, and sense of dignity. In some cases, girls missed several days of school every month — falling behind in their studies simply because they were menstruating.

The silence surrounding menstruation and the shame attached to it made the situation even more urgent. What moved us was not just the physical need, but the emotional weight carried by these young girls. They deserved to feel seen, supported, and empowered — not ashamed of a natural part of life.

This realization stirred something in our hearts. It reminded us that humanitarian work must address both the visible and the often-unspoken challenges faced by communities. We knew we had to act — not only by providing sanitary pads but also by opening conversations around menstrual health with compassion and respect.

This is how the sanitary pad distribution project was born — from listening, from empathy, and from our deep belief that every girl deserves dignity, education, and equal opportunity.