Project Shakti: Promoting Menstrual Hygiene through Reusable Sanitary Pads in Telangana
Table of Contents
Relevance: GS Paper II – Social Justice, Health, Education; GS Paper III – Environment & Sustainable Development; Telangana-specific Current Affairs
For Prelims:
- Project Shakti, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), Reusable Sanitary Pads, Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, Rotary Club of Hyderabad East, Unipads Foundation, Menstrual Health Awareness, Plastic Sanitary Waste, Sustainable Menstrual Products, Menstrual Hygiene Kits
For Mains:
- Menstrual Health and Gender Equality, School Absenteeism among Girls, Women’s Health and Dignity, Public–Private Collaboration in Social Welfare, Sustainable Hygiene Practices, Environmental Impact of Sanitary Waste, Adolescent Health and Education, Social Stigma around Menstruation, Right to Health under Article 21, Gender-Sensitive Public Health Policies
Why in News?
Nearly 7,000 girl students at Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, Hyderabad received reusable sanitary pad kits under Project Shakti, a statewide initiative aimed at improving menstrual hygiene and reducing school absenteeism among girls in Telangana.
About Project Shakti
Project Shakti is a menstrual hygiene initiative designed to provide reusable sanitary pad kits to girl students across Telangana.
- First Phase Distribution: 7,000 students
- Programme Value: Approximately ₹35 lakh
- Target: Reach 60,000 girl students
- Coverage: Around 2,000 schools and colleges in Telangana by March 2026
The programme aims to improve menstrual health awareness, ensure school attendance, and promote sustainable menstrual products.
Key Features of Reusable Pads
Reusable sanitary pads are promoted as an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products.
Important Characteristics:
- Reusable lifespan: 12–16 months with proper care
- Cost-effective: Reduces recurring expenses for families
- Eco-friendly: Minimizes plastic waste from disposable pads
- Washable and skin-friendly
- Sustainable menstrual hygiene solution
Implementation and Partnerships
Project Shakti is implemented through collaboration between multiple organisations:
- Rotary Club of Hyderabad East
- State Bank of India
- Unipads Foundation
- Supported by the Government of Telangana
Apart from distribution, students will also receive awareness sessions and orientation programmes on menstrual hygiene and proper use of reusable products.
Social Significance
Officials emphasised that menstrual hygiene is closely linked to education, health, and gender equality.
According to Harichandana Dasari, Hyderabad District Collector, menstrual independence ensures dignity, equality, and uninterrupted access to education.
The initiative seeks to address key challenges such as:
- Menstrual stigma and taboos
- School absenteeism among adolescent girls
- Lack of access to affordable menstrual products
- Environmental pollution from plastic-based sanitary waste
Constitutional and Legal Perspective
The Supreme Court of India has recognised menstrual hygiene as part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, emphasising the responsibility of the state to ensure dignified menstrual health management for women and girls.
Educational Impact
University Vice-Chancellor Surya Dhananjay noted that access to proper menstrual products enables girls to participate fully in education and daily activities without anxiety or social restrictions.
Conclusion
Project Shakti represents an important step toward improving menstrual health, empowering young women, and promoting sustainable hygiene practices in Telangana. By combining awareness, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, the initiative seeks to ensure that menstrual health does not become a barrier to education, dignity, or equality for girls.
CARE MCQ
Q. The Supreme Court of India has recognised menstrual hygiene as part of which of the following Fundamental Rights under the Constitution of India?
- Right to Equality under Article 14
- Right to Freedom under Article 19
- Right to Life under Article 21
- Right to Constitutional Remedies under Article 32
