Steplakrai village in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, has taken a remarkable step forward in environmental sustainability by successfully eliminating menstrual waste through a collaborative effort led by the Shubham Charitable Association and Akhil Bhartiya Marwari Mahila Sammelan, Meghalaya.
Meghalaya’s Steplakrai Village goes green
The Zero Waste Period Campaign, conducted on February 17, witnessed the distribution of free, self-made reusable sanitary pads and panties to women aged 9 to 40 in the village.
Marshall Khongjoh, the Headman of Steplakrai village, along with key figures from the Shubham Charitable Association and local school teachers, spearheaded the event, during which the community pledged to reduce menstrual waste, ditch disposable pads, and champion environmental protection.
This initiative was prompted by the pressing issue of sanitary pad waste in India, where billions of discarded pads annually contaminate rivers and landfills. The Shubham Charitable Association, serving women in Meghalaya and Assam for the past 25 years, responded to the crisis by producing high-quality reusable sanitary pads and panties from improved fabrics. These products, certified by the Ministry of Textiles, offer a sustainable alternative and have been utilized by over 2,000 women without a single reported incident of rash or infection, providing a solution to the environmental and health challenges posed by disposable pads.
The reusable pads and panties allow women to use them for 6 to 8 hours during menstruation and can be washed more than 80 times, significantly reducing menstrual waste. The campaign garnered recognition from Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim, a staunch advocate for environmental cleanliness, whose Operation Clean Up campaign in Meghalaya has been ongoing for years. Mukhim’s guidance played a pivotal role in the success of the Zero Waste Period campaign, marking a significant stride towards environmental sustainability in Steplakrai village. This initiative serves as a model for communities worldwide, addressing menstrual waste and promoting eco-friendly practices to create a lasting impact on a global scale.
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