New Delhi, 2^nd August 2021:  With an aim to strengthen women’s health in rural areas, Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF), in partnership with Häfele, a German based Global Interior Fittings Specialist, has conceptualized and implemented the Menstrual Hygiene Management Programme across 7 locations. To facilitate this programme, both the organizations have extended their support to the rural locations through installation of Sanitary Napkin Making/Dispensing Machines together with educative initiatives to spread knowledge about menstrual hygiene, breaking many myths and stigmas around it.

Menstrual hygiene management and anemia in rural areas have always had a huge impact on the overall development of girls. Sharing her views on the issue, Ms. Pearl Tiwari, Director & CEO, Ambuja Cement Foundation said, “Menstrual hygiene is a matter of public health. The main challenge is to address the shame, taboos and several myths attached to periods and menstrual hygiene. We need to work dedicatedly by identifying gaps and creating awareness to bring effective behavior change in not just women but in the whole society. Male members of the community also have a crucial role to play here, thus, increasing knowledge and awareness for male members is also a part of this MHM programme.

Talking about Häfele’s contribution to this initiative, Ms. Padma Gupta, Director – Human Resources & Customer Experience, South Asia said, “We believe in creating partnerships that make a difference to society. We are really happy to be associated with this public health cause and I am hopeful that our collaboration with Ambuja Cement Foundation will take their menstrual hygiene management programme to the next level, by imparting sanitation education and support among young girls and women in rural areas.”

The sole purpose of the activity is to strengthen women and adolescent groups with building capacities and sustained support towards improving four pillars of menstrual hygiene management:

1. Access to knowledge and information
2. Access to menstrual absorbents
3. WASH structures and maintenance
4. Access to safe disposal

ACF will facilitate biodegradable sanitary napkin making machines which will be installed through rural women federations where maintenance and output will also be monitored. Sanitary napkins will be manufactured by village SHGs (Self Help Groups) under ACF’s income generation and livelihood project. Vending machines and incinerators will be installed in the schools and common points for easy access at various locations.