Bengaluru: In a significant stride towards women’s empowerment and health, the Flipkart Foundation and Give Foundation have joined hands with the Pinkishe Foundation to introduce ‘Project Udaan.’ This initiative is set to create awareness and promote menstrual health and hygiene among adolescent girls and women from marginalized communities. By combining education, access to eco-friendly menstrual products, and the mission to break menstrual taboos, Project Udaan aims to uplift the lives of underserved girls and women in rural areas. The collaborative effort will be rolled out across four states – Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh – with the goal of directly impacting 1,600 girls and indirectly benefitting 3,200 more.
Empowering Through Education and Access
The core objective of ‘Project Udaan’ is to empower adolescent girls and dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation. By imparting essential knowledge about menstrual health practices and providing sustainable menstrual products, the project seeks to enhance reproductive health and behavioral practices. The program aims to reach girls aged 10 to 18 and will directly benefit 1,600 girls, while an additional 3,200 girls and women will be positively affected indirectly. This initiative will span across 20-25 schools, carefully selected in collaboration with local teams, ensuring a holistic approach to menstrual awareness.
Comprehensive Workshops and Eco-Friendly Solutions
Each selected school will host a two-hour workshop for groups of 50 to 100 girls. These sessions will encompass a wide range of topics, including hygiene practices, menstrual product options, health, nutrition, and disposal methods. The workshops will not only address menstrual stigma but also delve into pain management, emotional well-being, and advocacy for a period-positive environment. As part of the workshops, period kits will be distributed, featuring reusable cloth pads, instructional booklets, and other essentials. These kits are designed to support environment-friendly menstrual health management for a duration of at least two years for each girl.
Partnerships for Positive Change
Commenting on the collaborative effort, Puja Trisal, Director of Flipkart Foundation, emphasized the significance of knowledge and access in empowerment. The launch of ‘Project Udaan’ signifies a substantial step towards uplifting and educating young girls and women in marginalized communities. The partnership envisions the breaking of barriers and instilling confidence in girls, creating a pathway for a healthier and brighter future. Arun Gupta, President of the Pinkishe Foundation, expressed gratitude for Flipkart Foundation’s support, highlighting the project’s aim to empower girls and promote environmental sustainability. The joint endeavor seeks to create a society where menstrual challenges no longer hinder the progress of young girls.
Promoting Lasting Change
Focused on rural schools catering to underprivileged girls, ‘Project Udaan’ aims to provide menstrual hygiene resources and information to those facing social and economic barriers. Through immediate relief and sustained menstrual health practices, the initiative aims to enable lasting change in the lives of these girls and women.
A Legacy of Impact
In the past year, the Flipkart Foundation has extended its efforts to empower underserved communities across various states, encompassing sectors such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The foundation’s commitment to creating a lasting and sustainable impact has driven positive change across diverse segments of society.
