Yoga Gives Back Links Arms with The Pad Project to End Period Stigma and Empower Women in India

Yoga Gives Back (YGB) has launched their pad machine program together with NGO partner NISHTHA in West Bengal, supported by the nonprofit organization The Pad Project and the Trotula Fund. This pioneering initiative kicked off with the installation of two pad manufacturing machines to train 20 women in YGB’s micro-loan business program, Sister Aid.

Many women and girls in India cannot afford to use sanitary menstrual products, which makes them susceptible to gynecological diseases. Without proper sanitary supplies, they may resort to using newspapers, dirty rags, and even leaves to manage their periods. "When girls and women have access to safe and affordable sanitary materials to manage their menstruation, they decrease their risk of infections.This can have cascading effects on overall sexual and reproductive health, including reducing teen pregnancy, maternal outcomes, and fertility. Poor menstrual hygiene, however, can pose serious health risks, like reproductive and urinary tract infections which can result in future infertility and birth complications.” (Source: Brief, May 12, 2022, WorldBank)

YGB’s goal is to provide women and girls with affordable, biodegradable, high-quality menstrual products paired with education on health and hygiene, as well as to create a source of income for women in the Sist