Bengaluru, August 25, 2023. The Flipkart Foundation and Give Foundation have partnered with Pinkishe Foundation, a non-profit organisation working towards improving the lives of women and girls in India, to spread awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. The collaborative initiative, known as 'Project Udaan,' aims to address challenges faced by girls and women from marginalized communities, particularly in rural areas. The project seeks to promote reproductive health and behavioral practices by providing essential information and eco-friendly period products. Project Udaan will be implemented across multiple locations in four states, including Gandhinagar and Mehsana in Gujarat, Gurugram in Haryana, Bengaluru in Karnataka, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration aims to empower adolescent girls and dismantle the taboo around periods. Alongside promoting appropriate menstrual health practices, the project seeks to foster dignity and confidence among young girls and women. The program is designed for girls aged 10 to 18 years, benefiting 1,600 girls directly and an additional 3,200 girls and women indirectly. The initiative will cover 20-25 schools identified with the assistance of local teams.
Each selected school will host a two-hour workshop for batches of 50 to 100 girls. The workshops will offer comprehensive knowledge on hygiene practices, menstrual product options, health and nutrition, and disposal methods, among other topics. These sessions will also address menstrual stigma, pain management, emotional well-being, and period-positive advocacy. As part of the workshops, period kits will be distributed, containing reusable cloth pads, an instruction booklet, and other essentials. These kits are designed to ensure environment-friendly menstrual health management for at least two years per girl.
Commenting on the partnership, Puja Trisal, Director, Flipkart Foundation, "We believe that empowerment begins with knowledge and access. With the launch of 'Project Udaan,'in partnership with the Pinkishe Foundation, we are taking a significant step towards uplifting, educating, and empowering young girls and women in rural and underprivileged communities. Through essential menstrual health education and eco-friendly period products, we aspire to break barriers, instill confidence in girls at an early age, and pave the way for a healthier and brighter future. We are committed to leaving no one behind as we steadfastly move together towards a more inclusive and empowered society."
Arun Gupta, President of the Pinkishe Foundation, commented, "With heartfelt gratitude, we thank Flipkart Foundation's visionary and bold leadership for supporting our mission to provide menstrual education and eco-friendly reusable cloth pads to rural girls. By addressing this vital but overlooked issue, we are breaking barriers and empowering thousands of young girls while promoting environmental sustainability. Together, we strive for an inclusive society where no girl is hindered by menstrual challenges. Thank you, Flipkart Foundation, for driving positive social impact and believing in the power of education, empowerment, and eco-conscious solutions. Together, we create a brighter, greener, and more equitable future for all."
Project Udaan focuses on reaching underserved girls in rural schools, specifically those facing social and economic barriers to menstrual hygiene resources and information. The project's goal is to bring about lasting change by providing immediate relief and promoting sustainable menstrual health practices.Over the past year, the Flipkart Foundation has collaborated with underserved communities across various states to support and empower marginalized sections of society in different sectors, aiming for extensive reach and lasting impact.
