7th January 2024,

In Tumuktand, Jharkhand; PanMedical launched its Pinky Bank project, providing 55 women with sanitary pads. This initiative aimed to ensure ongoing support for menstrual hygiene by offering essential sanitary products to the community over an extended period. Due to taboo topic many women did not turn up as they felt shy and even ashamed. They send their family members instead.

Building trust within local communities is critical. Raising awareness about menstrual hygiene is an important aspect of the Pinky Bank.

These women have stopped using pieces of cloth for 3 months now and have been consistently using sanitary pads. This is a very big cultural change in the local tribal community.

Women are provided free sanitary pads in this villages because proper menstrual hygiene is essential in preventing infections like bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Sanitary pads help keep the genital area clean and dry, reducing the risk of such infections.

Access to free sanitary pads empowers women and girls by giving them control over their menstrual health. It helps maintain their dignity and self-esteem, reducing potential embarrassment or discomfort associated with menstruation.

In these rural areas families facing financial constraints, purchasing sanitary pads may be a significant expense. Providing them for free helps alleviate this economic burden and ensures that all women and girls can manage their menstrual health with dignity.

Providing free sanitary pads helps ensure that women and girls have access to essential menstrual hygiene products, regardless of their socio-economic status. This promotes good menstrual hygiene practices and reduces the risk of infections and other health issues.