A low-cost sanitary napkin-making unit was inaugurated in Pancharul, Howrah, during International Women’s Week.
The initiative by Kaydee Foundation, the CSR wing of VFS Capital Limited, in collaboration with Sheable Foundation, aims to provide affordable menstrual hygiene solutions to women living in the nearby panchayat areas and establish a business model that can create employment prospects for them.
The sanitary napkin unit was inaugurated by Kuldip Maity, director of Kaydee Foundation, and MD & CEO of VFS Capital; Ajit Kumar Maity, chairman of VFS Capital, and Anvesha Sharaf, founder of Sheable Foundation. Other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.The project aims to provide women in nearby rural areas affordable access to high-quality menstrual hygiene products. It promises to create a sustainable business model that generates employment and economic opportunities for local women, empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency and contribute to the development of their community. This will positively impact the overall quality of life of these women, both in terms of health and financial security.The campaigners hope that the efforts will help reduce the stigma associated with menstrual hygiene, as the women will have access to the same quality products as their urban counterparts. This will also help to break down the barriers that have prevented rural women from participating in mainstream society. Kuldip Maity, the director of Kaydee Foundation said, ‘This women-hygiene-centric project is a major breakthrough in our mission to empower rural women and is a giant leap forward in making menstrual hygiene accessible to all. Knowledge about menstrual hygiene and the use of sanitary napkins is almost non-existent in rural areas. Low-cost Feminine hygiene is of utmost importance, and healthcare and hygiene play a very critical role in our program. We are doing our best to develop a business model that will generate employment for rural women with guidance and support and make low-cost, safe, and hygienic Sanitary napkins available in rural areas."