Menstrual Solidarity Initiative (MSI)

As global dialogues about menstruation gain momentum, menstruators in marginalized remote communities of India still lack adequate menstrual health support. To grasp the extent of period illiteracy, let's examine these data points:

• Unhygienic menstrual health practices contribute to approximately 40,000 deaths.

• The World Bank reports that around 500 million women lack access to menstrual hygiene products.

At first glance, the apparent issue is lack of access to menstrual health products, with sanitary napkins seeming like the simplest solution. Yet, the adverse effects of sanitary napkins can't be overlookedr:

• Sanitary pads contribute to India's yearly production of around 113,000 tonnes of non-biodegradable menstrual waste.

• They contain toxic chemicals, and artificial fragrances that can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to diseases, like reproductive issues and cancer.

Failing to address the underlying problem while implementing solutions, as seen with sanitary napkins, often hinders achieving a sustainable and effective resolution.

In response, remarkable innovations like menstrual cups and Hilla Shaviv's groundbreaking Tulipon, have emerged. While urban India is increasingly embracing these solutions, the use of penetrative equipment is not a viable option for rural India, at least in the foreseeable future.

This brings us to the underlying problem that must be addressed for any real change to take place - the enduring cultural taboo surrounding menstrual health in rural areas.  There has been little to no shift in perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge. To this day, rural women in India continue to face social exclusion during their menstrual cycles. They are restricted from showering and sharing meals with the household. A man from a village in Tamil Nadu, shared, “I come from a generation of warriors where we were taught that even to touch the garments of women when they are menstruating is unlucky.” Another woman from Rajasthan shared,  "'ve resorted to using old socks during my periods since the men in my house refuse to give me money for pads."

The consequences of being in a body that has been historically criminalized and silenced for merely existing are multifold. Extensive groundwork is needed to dispel such myths and to ensure basic support for menstruators. Consequently, it will take years before rural India is ready to adopt penetrative products embraced readily by more urban segments of society.

Despite numerous grassroots organizations addressing various causes for menstruators in rural India, they fall short in offering holistic and sustainable solutions. Crucially, they are unable to identify menstruation's intersectional position at the confluence of patriarchal culture, safety and empowerment. This results in a significant gap, given that these organizations lack the capacity to meet the pressing need for menstrual health education and support.

Thus, on one hand, we face stigma, lack of knowledge, and an abundance of misinformation surrounding menstruation. On the other, there's the ongoing challenge of insufficient access to user-friendly, easily discussible, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable products. Armed with this knowledge and our expertise in menstrual health hygiene, we are committed to tackling these two specific problems in a comprehensive and scalable manner.

Since 2018, our mission has been to educate and empower communities about menstrual hygiene, striving to reach every corner of India. Initially, we directly trained rural women through our rigorous curriculum, leading to significant positive shifts in perceptions and managementof menstruation. Encouraged by this tangible impact, in 2021, we launched the Menstrual Solidarity Initiative (MSI), which has impacted approximately 90,000 women to date.

MSI is a meticulously designed solution to empower local organizations across India with extensive period care knowledge. We offer thorough training to build their capacities to educate marginalized communities and conduct impact assessments. Concurrently, we provide sustainable Baala reusable cloth pads to these organizations' existing beneficiaries, free of charge

Here's how it works:

• Selecting the Grassroots Organizations: We  identify grassroot organizations dedicated to supporting marginalized girls and women in rural India. We pitch our collaboration to these organizations to ensure they see the value in working with us.. Since 2021, we have successfully formed meaningful partnerships with 30 organizations, including Waste Warriors Society and Shoqpa Foundation. These organizations become a part of a cohort of NGOs facilitating cross-learning on MHHM. 

• Providing free menstrual health and hygiene training: Our approach focuses on co-creating solutions with communities rather than for them.  As a result, we update our curriculum every six months using community feedback. Subsequently, we provide free training sessions to local organizations, ensuring they are proficient in our rigorous curriculum and capable of imparting comprehensive menstrual health knowledge to their beneficiaries. Our core team leads demonstration sessions, and partners are provided with scripts to memorize. Before community engagement, partners conduct mock sessions with Baala’s team. These training initiatives have enabled these organizations to offer holistic support, reaching individuals we could not have reached independently. This approach has received positive feedback from all 30 organizations involved. Khushbu Joshi, Founder of the Shoqpa Foundation, expressed, "Project Baala's support has been transformative and instrumental in enhancing our ability to empower girls and women in remote Ladakh communities.”

• Providing Baala Pads for free: Acknowledging the health and environmental impacts of sanitary napkins and the reluctance to adopt insertive solutions in rural India, we aimed to provide a healthier alternative for users and the environment. Partnering with textile experts, we developed high-quality reusable cloth pads in certified production facilities. The Baala kit includes three reusable pads, each with an average usage of 8 hours and fast-drying properties, suitable for all days of menstruation.. Shanti Mondal from West Bengal expressed, "Despite reusing the Baala pads for months, I no longer experience infections." 

MSI adeptly tackles the issues at hand by enhancing the capabilities of local organizations, consequently augmenting and refining menstrual health support and knowledge for rural girls and women. Beyond addressing the evident information deficit, our solution, facilitated by the free distribution of high-quality reusable cloth pads, offers a practical and safe substitute for sanitary napkins. This alternative seamlessly integrates into the menstrual health hygiene practices of rural women while causing minimal environmental impact.

Project Baala is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy menstrual journey for economically marginalized girls and women in rural India by providing necessary support and resources. 

Our target population is underserved due to several critical factors:

• Geographical Barriers: In many of the remote villages we work in, there are no shops for miles and menstruators are forced to resort to makeshift solutions like old clothes, grass, or leaves, leading to frequent infections.

• Economic Constraints: Even if menstrual products are accessible, families often cannot afford them. Moreover, societal silence around menstruation means spending money on menstrual products is not even considered.

• Information Gap: The prevailing culture of silence and shame surrounding menstruation in our predominantly patriarchal society has resulted in widespread myths and a general lack of knowledge about menstrual health practices. This lack of preparedness exacerbates the challenges faced by menstruators, degrading their quality of life.

It's crucial to recognize that these barriers intersect, compounding the challenges and isolating individuals from the support they need. Therefore, our solution addresses each of these barriers strategically, ensuring a holistic approach rather than addressing them in isolation: 

• Collaborating with Local NGOs: Through collaboration with local NGOs, we enhance the capabilities of organizations and schools already engaged with our target demographic. Through training and equipping these organizations with knowledge, methodologies, and structures to educate girls and women they serve, we successfully overcome geographical barriers and expand our reach. Interestingly, this approach has facilitated these grassroots organizations to come together and share ground insights, thereby broadening both their and our understanding of issues and potential solutions. This year, we have already established new partnerships with 10 organizations across India, prioritizing those operating in the remote regions of North East, Union Territories and the Aspirational Districts (officially identified as the most marginalized regions). 

• Menstrual Health Education: Our curriculum is crafted to encompass cultural nuances essential for maximum impact. Continuously updated based on user feedback, our initiative aims to bridge the information gap by empowering individuals with comprehensive knowledge on managing their menstrual health. Furthermore, we strive to cultivate a culture of open dialogue around menstruation, promoting awareness and understanding.

• Free Distribution of Reusable Pads: We supply Baala kits to our partner local organizations to distribute to the marginalized girls and women they work with. These kits include three reusable cloth pads, which are antibacterial, ensuring the health of menstruators while also being environmentally friendly.

This model ensures that girls and women in rural communities have access to safe menstrual products, overcoming geographical barriers and economic constraints. Additionally, they receive the necessary knowledge from the organizations we train, to make informed choices regarding their menstrual health. This empowerment equips them to adopt safe menstrual health practices effectively and confidently. Moreover, as the local organizations are trained,a continuous flow of information becomes readily accessible at the community level, facilitating the identification and resolution of issues in a timely manner. 

Our team at Project Baala are uniquely equipped to execute the 'Menstrual Solidarity Initiative', driven by our commitment to community empowerment and sustainability.  With a firm belief in the universal right to support, knowledge, and access to menstrual products, our goal is to ensure that no menstruator is left behind. As a women and youth led dynamic team,  we have positively impacted the lives of over 750,000 women and girls worldwide. Our unwavering passion and dedication to this cause are enhanced by our wide-ranging skills and experiences.

• Diverse Experiences:  Our team represents a balance of social impact and business acumen. Some members bring extensive experience working with rural communities in Africa, India, and the United Kingdom, while others offer corporate expertise from banks, government roles, and multinational consulting firms. Crucially, all team members possess extensive field experience and consistently engage in field visits to comprehend the intricacies and complexities inherent in our work. Further, to ensure the technological sophistication and eco-friendliness of our reusable pads, we collaborate with two seasoned scientists in Europe specializing in textile engineering and technology, boasting over 45 years of combined experience. Moreover, our advisory board, featuring esteemed figures like Dr. Mulidharan, an expert in WASH and the founder of the Menstrual Health Alliance of India, and Mr. Irrana Iranna Rotte, with 23 years of rural livelihood experience, provides invaluable guidance monthly. This wealth of expertise enables us to tailor our approach and solutions effectively.

• Community-Driven Approach: Central to our methodology is a community-driven approach, where community input shapes our curriculum and implementation strategies. We integrate regular feedback mechanisms into our platform, enabling us to continually refine the knowledge and structure of our curriculum, as well as product, based on user experiences and suggestions, thereby ensuring ongoing relevance and effectiveness.

• Data-Driven Approach: We systematically gather and analyze various data points, including pad usage, baseline and endline surveys, training records, and health outcomes. Additionally, we actively solicit feedback from our partner organizations, integrating their insights to iteratively enhance our curriculum and engagement with beneficiaries.

• Leveraging Local Expertise For Sustainable Impact: Recognizing the importance of local expertise for sustainable impact, through MSI, we collaborate closely with NGOs and schools in marginalized rural communities across India. By leveraging their contextual knowledge, we constantly develop culturally sensitive curriculum and communication strategies, maximizing our impact and reach.

• Track Record: With 105+ organizations onboarded from across projects from 28 states and 5 UTs across India, 30 organisations with MSI, we have already made significant strides in advancing menstrual health and empowering local organizations to have the knowledge and preparation to educate girls and women residing in the most rural communities across India on menstrual health practices and solutions.  Our track record demonstrates our ability to effectively recruit, train, and support local organizations that are already working with girls and women, and who thereby can incorporate menstrual health solutions for their holistic development. 

As a growth-phase initiative, we've made significant progress in enhancing the capacities of grassroots organizations in rural India.Here's a summary of our achievements to date:

Partnerships: Since MSI’s inception in 2021, we have established partnerships with 30 local organizations in the most remote parts of India. Our careful approach to identifying, selecting, and solidifying partnerships ensures the cultivation of meaningful relationships with these organizations. Their proactive involvement is crucial in provide menstrual health support to our targeted beneficiaries, whom we do not otherwise have easy access to.  For example, during the 2023 conflict in Manipur, grassroots organizations sought Baala's support when borders closed off, leaving girls and women without access to menstrual products. Despite facing transportation disruptions and reluctance from companies to take on associated risks, we established a vital channel for delivering Baala pads to those severely affected and displaced After two months of unwavering efforts, our perseverance finally paid off. Our local partners successfully received the kits and immediately began distributing our reusable pads. O Over 3000 girls and women were provided with means to manage their menstrual hygiene, even amidst turmoil and adversity. This achievement highlights the transformative impact of our model, relying on sustained partnerships to strategically reach the most affected by menstruation challenges.

Comprehensive Training: Using our well-researched curriculum, we diligently empower our partner organizations, enhancing their capacities to become impactful trainers for rural girls and women in their respective regions. Our support includes holistic training methods like role-playing exercises, curriculum resources, and checklists. Bindu from Bihar shared, "The training opened my eyes to various aspects of menstruation that I was unaware of before. I now feel empowered with this knowledge to positively influence the girls and women we serve."

Sustainable and Reusable Bala Pads: Project Baala provides Baala kits to our partner organizations for free distribution among marginalized girls and women. These kits include three reusable cloth pads, designed to be antibacterial and environmentally friendly. To date, we've distributed 90,272 Baala kits. Chahat from Uttarakhand shared, “My sisters and I frequently suffered painful infections without anyone to discuss them with. Since using Baala pads for the past year, our infections have ceased, making our periods much easier to manage."

Impact: Our trained partners have reached approximately 90,000 women and girls in the most remote and isolated regions, including areas affected by natural disasters and conflicts such as Cyclone hit Srikakulam in 2022 and riot-affected Manipur in 2023. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our capacity-building model in leveraging local expertise to reach marginalized communities. Our partnered organizations have directly impacted the lives of these marginalized individuals by promoting menstrual health awareness and distributing Baala pads.

Overall, our consistent achievements over the past three years signify the growth and impact of our initiative as we strive to advance menstrual health practices, awareness, and empowerment among menstruators.

We are seeking support from Solve because we strongly align with its mission to foster innovative solutions that tackle global challenges. Solve's wide-reaching network of partners and experts presents an opportunity for us to overcome the specific barriers we encounter in scaling and improving our menstrual health solution.

One of the primary hurdles we encounter is financial. To date, a single organization has been the sole funder of the MSI initiative, covering all expenses including training, kits, logistics, and resources. Relying solely on one entity for funding presents several evident challenges. Moving forward, we envision a conglomerate of organizations committed to investing in our vision, effectively enhancing the menstrual health journeys of girls and women in rural communities who have been historically overlooked. Solve's network has the potential to connect us with investors and funders who share our vision and are prepared to support our growth collaboratively and systematically.

We are optimistic that Solve's extensive network and support will enable us to not only reach the furthest corners of India but also extend our reach beyond. We are confident in our ability and expertise to enhance the capacities of local organizations through our rigorous curriculum and immersive training strategies. Our commitment to continually improving and adapting our curriculum to diverse geographical contexts and beneficiary needs position us to replicate the MSI in remote regions worldwide. To achieve this logistically, Solve's network encompassing a diverse array of partners and experts will be instrumental in navigating legal and cultural challenges that may arise during our expansion into new regions and communities.

Importantly, observing the success of our initiative, we are eager to elevate it to the next level, and having Solve as a partner would be invaluable in this endeavor. When we speak of reaching the “next level,” we envision not only expanding our geographical reach but also broadening the scope of our initiative. This entails a continuous update of our curriculum and specialized trainings, utilizing our community feedback approach to evolve iteratively. We want to strengthen our monitoring trackers so that our partner organizations can effectively capture the progress of the MSI, allowing us to promptly and efficiently address any gaps that emerge. Additionally, we aim to supplement our resources by including period underwear, awareness booklets, and educational curriculum aimed at sensitizing boys and men. Ultimately, our goal is limitless, as it should be, especially when our ultimate objective is to provide menstruators with the support they rightfully deserve but have unfailingly never received. 

MSI stands as a sustainable solution with tangible and positive outcomes, showcasing innovation across various fronts.

1. Sustainable and Accessible Solution: In our endeavor to transform menstrual hygiene practices, we have introduced reusable cloth pads, a sustainable alternative that promotes environmental conservation. Our focus is on constant innovation via feedback cycles from the community. Years of community experience combined with textile technology expertise have led to the development of Baala pads. Through rigorous testing conducted over three years with over 1000 women and girls, the Baala pads have been nationally and internationally certified. Crucially, we ensure the distribution of these pads through our local partner organizations, completely free of charge, mitigating the financial barriers faced by marginalized girls and women. 

1. Comprehensive Training Through Our Dynamic Curriculum: Our research reveals a significant 40% increase in pad uptake when accompanied by workshops, highlighting the pivotal role of awareness in addressing menstrual health challenges. Unlike competitors solely focused on manufacturing and distribution, our initiative recognizes the critical need for behavioral change workshops. Consequently, we've developed a comprehensive curriculum informed by direct conversations with over 25,000 rural women, ensuring our solutions are community-driven. Encompassing seven pivotal topics, our curriculum transcends traditional boundaries, from elucidating the biological processes of menstruation to offering practical guidance on pain management.  Designed to dispel prevalent myths and taboos, our curriculum empowers menstruators to manage their health confidently. What sets us apart is our immersive approach. We provide local organizations with tools for effective content delivery through storytelling and poetry, ensuring high engagement among rural girls and women. By building the capacities of local organizations, we overcome geographical, linguistic, and cultural barriers, reaching even the most remote communities.

1. Holistic Support Beyond Prevention: While the immediate aim is to equip local organizations to conduct training sessions on menstrual health for marginalized girls and women, our model facilitates an evolution wherein these organizations  where these organizations serve as intermediaries between medical professionals and those seeking help. For example, as part of our training, we educate them on managing menstrual pain through community resources like diets rich in iron and vitamin C, as well as beneficial yoga asanas. Rural girls and women seek assistance from these trained organizations for managing pain, potentially reducing the need for costly medical visits or unnecessary medication expenses.  Crucially, we train them to discern when formal medical assistance is warranted. In instances where such assistance is deemed necessary, they reach out to us, enabling us to facilitate connections with trained medical professionals or suitable clinics. This multifaceted approach ensures education on menstrual health hygiene for rural girls and women while establishing a support channel through the local organizations we train.

In summary, our solution embodies a comprehensive and inventive strategy for addressing menstrual health challenges sustainably and efficiently. Through our emphasis on preventive care, ongoing support, environmental sustainability, collaboration with local organizations, and empowerment of marginalized rural communities, we uniquely aim to instigate positive transformations in the menstrual health landscape across rural India.

At Project Baala, we believe in taking action to bring about tangible change. We recognize that in pursuing our ambitious mission of providing menstrual health solutions and support to every girl and woman in the most rural and isolated regions, it is essential to share our expertise and empower others who are better positioned to disseminate menstrual health education in their respective geographies. To illustrate how we have successfully impacted 90,000 menstruators in rural India through our Menstrual Solidarity Initiative since 2021, the following graphic will serve as a comprehensive visual aid: 

Our primary objective is to guarantee that every menstruator receives the comprehensive support necessary to take charge of their menstrual health journeys. Below is a breakdown of this overarching mission, including the indicators we currently utilize and aim to incorporate to systematically track the progress of MSI:

Goal 1: Increased Access To Menstrual Care Practices: Enhance knowledge of safe menstrual hygiene practices in rural communities through regular, structured, and culturally sensitive training conducted by rigorously trained local organizations.

Goal 2: Breaking Myths Around Menstruation: Dispel cultural taboos surrounding menstruation perpetuated by myths through the provision of accurate information in easily understandable formats, empowering girls and women to reclaim control of the narrative.

Goal 3: Build The Capacities of Local Organizations: Empower local organizations already working with rural girls and women through hands-on training so that they are equipped to advocate for sustainable menstrual health care and provide direct support to menstruators in regions beyond our direct reach. 

Goal 4: Promote Environmental Sustainability: Reduce the environmental footprint of menstrual products by introducing reusable cloth pads, providing rural girls and women with access to eco-friendly sanitary materials.

Goal 5: Alleviate Economic Burdens: Mitigate financial strain by supplying Baala kits free of charge, enabling access to sustainable and safe menstrual health products without any cost. This initiative addresses the socioeconomic challenges faced by our target beneficiaries, who often resort to makeshift solutions due to financial constraints and cultural stigmatization.

Goal 6: Reducing Menstruation Related Infections and Fatalities: Through our comprehensive initiative to raise awareness and supply safe sanitary products, our goal is to empower girls and women by providing accessible menstrual health solutions, thereby reducing the risk of infections and related health complications.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we are using a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators, including:

• Usage of Reuable Baala Pads: We track the number of girls and women who wear and utilze reusable cloth pads, including their feedback and satisfaction with the product. 

• Local Organizations Trained: We conduct baseline and endline surveys to assess the success of our training in increasing menstrual health knowledge of grassroot organizations

• Surveys and Interviews: The team conducts baseline and endline surveys, and follow ups are done after 90 days to acquire user feedback, ensuring that the needs and wants of our users and customers are always at the centre of all our interventions.

• Health Outcomes: We assess improvements in menstrual health indicators, such as the prevalence of menstrual infections or discomfort, to measure the impact of the Baala pads and support. 

• Qualitative Insights: Through focus group discussions and community feedback sessions, we gather qualitative insights  to comprehend the nuances of menstrual health issues in different remote geographies.

By monitoring these indicators and continuously collecting data, we can assess the efficacy of our solution in achieving our impact goals. This allows us to make timely and efficient adjustments, optimizing our approach to consistently improve the lives of girls and women in rural India by promoting safe and comfortable menstrual hygiene practices. 

The core technology driving Project Baala’s Menstrual Solidarity Initiative combines innovative data collection tools with advanced materials technology to deliver accessible and effective menstrual hygiene practices and solutions, while minimizing environmental impact.

Baala Pads: Partnering with pioneering experts in the field, we've utilized cutting-edge technology, including a soft absorbing layer and treating the pads to an anti microbial layer, to guarantee the creation of top-tier cloth pads.. These pads are treated with antibacterial agents and feature a soft, fast-drying fleece top layer. Additionally, we have incorporated super absorbent microfiber terry fabric as the inner layer, and added PU-coated leak-proof fabric as the bottom layer. As a result of this meticulous design, each pad offers an average usage time of 8 hours with a drying capacity of 0.5-3 hours, providing consistent menstrual support month after month. In terms of environmental impact, this technology has led to each Baala Kit (comprising 3 pads) preventing the generation of more than 200 pieces of non-biodegradable menstrual waste.

Baala Mobile App: Our mobile application integrates our training curriculum in a user-friendly format. Partner organizations can easily download the application and engage in a 7-stage training module on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management. Following a demonstration with our core team, they will be equipped to become workshop leaders. We prefer to conduct trainings in person and through virtual methods, however this application has proven highly effective during emergencies such as the pandemic.

By leveraging technology, we have successfully developed a safe alternative to traditional sanitary napkins, aligning with principles of environmental conservation and responsible consumption. To address emergencies effectively, we have implemented a training mobile application designed to systematically train members of our partner local organizations.. Furthermore, by prioritizing data throughout our operations, we continually analyze trends, evaluate strategies, and adapt accordingly. In summary, our utilization of technology enables us to offer accessible, eco-friendly menstrual hygiene solutions to girls in rural areas. Through community engagement and strategic partnerships with local organizations, the MSI aims to effect lasting positive change for individuals, communities, and the planet.

With an all female core team that has directly benefited over 800,000 women and girls across the world, our passion and dedication to the cause is complemented with varied skills and experiences.

The core team consists of 9 members, with a legal and manufacturing team of 5 members. Our volunteering cohort, from across the globe, is over 100 young individuals passionate about menstrual hygiene.

Project Baala has been tirelessly working to ensure that no menstruator is left behind since 2018. However, the specific initiative MSI was launched in 2021, and therefore, it has been operational for the past three years.

We are a dynamic team at Project Baala. During hiring processes for the core team, representatives and volunteers, preference is given to individuals from marginalised identities and communities. With perks like monetary support for skill building, flexible working, work-from-home options, unlimited medical leave we are able to create a safe and inclusive work environment.

Particularly through the rural entrepreneurship model, Baala actively engages with individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, skilling and training them while also focusing on reintegration into society, evidenced from our projects that work with Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) amongst others.