Empowering Women and Girls: The Success Story of Project Chhori
“Menstruation happens to girls naturally. I can still swim, jump, or do anything I want. I shouldn’t miss school because of it. It is not a punishment for the girls.”
– Project Chhori participant.
Menstruation, a natural and essential biological process, is often shrouded in taboos and stigma in many cultures, leading to significant negative impacts on girls’ lives. These taboos can manifest as social, cultural, and even institutional barriers that restrict girls’ participation in key activities. For instance, in some communities, menstruating girls are prohibited from attending school, engaging in sports, or participating in religious practices.
Street Child United in collaboration with Childreach Nepal, are proud to have launched Project Chhori, a menstrual health initiative to empower women and girls through the production of biodegradable sanitary pads and comprehensive menstrual health education.
Project Chhori
Project Chhori began in 2017 when Childreach Nepal acquired its first sanitary pad-making machine; Chhori simply translates as ‘daughter’ in Nepali. Since then, the initiative has expanded, equipping schools and community centres with machines to produce biodegradable sanitary pads. This not only meets the critical need for hygienic menstrual products but also creates job opportunities and income for participating organisations through pad sales. A cornerstone of Project Chhori is its educational component, which offers training on menstrual hygiene and fosters open discussions about female health. By addressing cultural taboos and dispelling myths, the programme aims to drive societal change, enhancing knowledge and encouraging open dialogue about menstruation.
SCU identified synergies between Project Chhori and the World Innovation Summit of Health’s (WISH) mission to promote active learning and community support. With WISH’s funding, SCU extended the programme to two key collaborators: LEEDO in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Karunalaya in Chennai, India. Although a partnership with an organisation in Palestine was planned, the ongoing conflict has hindered progress in that region.
The Reverse Vending Machine Company in Kathmandu designed the pad-making machine to address the scarcity and high cost of sanitary pads in rural areas. Capable of producing up to 600 pads per hour, the machine provides an affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses. The production process involves placing raw materials into a mould and passing them through a pressure plate to seal the edges, producing approximately 4,000 pads—enough for 16 women for a year.
The machine comes alongside a comprehensive curriculum, designed to be delivered to both girls and boys within the community, educating them on female health, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering a more informed, inclusive society.
The curriculum was taught over six weeks with three sessions: Be Healthy, 28 Days, and Menstruation Myths. In Bangladesh, cultural reasons prevented LEEDO from involving boys, but Karunalaya included them in some sessions. At the start of the programme 77% of the girls believed certain activities were inappropriate during menstruation, but by the end, 100% felt no activities should be prohibited. The program significantly reduced school absenteeism due to menstruation, with 85% of the girls having previously missed school for up to four days each month. In India, 95% believed some activities were inappropriate during menstruation, but by the end, 100% disagreed. Interestingly, no girls reported missing school due to menstruation. The girls’ primary sources of information about periods before Project Chhori were family, friends, and Karunalaya’s sexual health program.n Both organisations reported high levels of engagement and positive feedback from the girls. They appreciated learning about their own health and puberty, including the development of boys.
SCU will continue to monitor and evaluate the program, focusing on the number of pads produced and distributed, profit generated, staff training, boys’ participation, and school attendance during menstruation. The continued support and expansion of such initiatives are crucial for the sustained empowerment of women and girls worldwide…if you want to get involved or learn more about how you can support Project Chhori, don’t hesitate to contact us.
