Pasand

The Problem:

An estimated 87.5 million schoolgirls in India resort to traditional, unsanitary methods for absorbing their menstrual flow. This can lead to long-term negative health consequences and disrupt school and daily activities. Additionally, one-third of women in India see a drop in productivity during menstruation. Unhygienic sanitary products, inadequate facilities, limited tools to manage PMS, and cultural taboos around menstruation contribute to women missing 3-5 days of school or work each month, and 23% of girls in India drop out of school upon menarche.

These issues stem from more than lack of access/affordability of products. Menstrual taboos and social stigmas, compounded with silence and shame about the wonders of growing up and the female body, means that education must play a critical role in solving this problem. In our pilot program of 2,000 students, ages 11-18, the vast majority did not know what happens during menstruation or why it occurs. 

Our Solution: The Pasand Curriculum

Pasand, meaning "a desirable choice" in Hindi, has developed a comprehensive, culturally sensitive women’s health curriculum. The curriculum covers puberty, menstrual health and hygiene, and safe and unsafe touch. The three-part curriculum is discussion and activity based to encourage active participation and dialogue. We are currently teaching girls ages 9-18 and are actively developing a boys curriculum to complement our services for female students. In addition, we offer customized workshops for students, parents, and teachers on topics ranging from how to talk to your children about growing up to the importance of menstrual hygiene awareness and sensitivity. Our tiered pricing model allows us to reach students from all types of school and provides a source of sustainable funding.