11-09-2000

Women's Empowerment for Health and Hygiene: A Comprehensive Approach to Water, Sanitation, and Better Health in Marginalized Communities

Supported by the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany Implemented by: Auxilium Skills Academy Auxilium Skills Academy, with generous support from the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, is implementing a focused Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) project aimed at promoting health, dignity, and empowerment for women and girls in underserved urban communities. Menstruation is still surrounded by silence and stigma in many communities, leading to poor hygiene practices, absenteeism from schools and work, and long-term health consequences. Through this project, Auxilium Skills Academy seeks to break these barriers by ensuring access to sanitary products, promoting safe disposal practices, and building community awareness. 🔹 Project Objectives: To improve access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products To provide safe and eco-friendly disposal mechanisms To promote awareness and break stigma around menstruation To empower women and girls with education and resources for hygienic menstrual management To assess and strengthen menstrual hygiene infrastructure for informal workers and marginalized groups 🔹 Key Initiatives under the Project: Installation of Sanitary Napkin Incinerators: Incinerators are being installed in community toilets and public spaces to allow women a safe and dignified way to dispose of used sanitary napkins, thereby promoting hygiene and reducing environmental pollution. Installation of Sanitary Napkin Vending Machines: Vending machines are being set up in colleges, industrial worksites, and public sanitation blocks, making sanitary napkins easily accessible and affordable for women from all walks of life. Distribution of Hygiene Kits: Hygiene kits containing sanitary napkins, soap, undergarments, and basic hygiene supplies are being distributed to adolescent girls and women in vulnerable communities. Hygiene Education Materials: Informative and culturally sensitive materials are being developed and shared to educate women and girls on menstrual hygiene management, reproductive health, and sustainable practices. Assessment of Sanitation Access for Informal Workers: The project includes an assessment of women working in informal settings such as markets, street vending zones, and industrial clusters to understand their menstrual hygiene needs. Based on this, temporary installations are planned at key locations, followed by evaluation and feedback mechanisms. Hygiene Management Workshops: Regular workshops are being conducted in schools, colleges, communities, and worksites to equip women and girls with knowledge and practices for safe and hygienic menstruation. Awareness Campaigns via Street Plays & Community Meetings: Creative and participatory methods such as street theatre, community discussions, and awareness drives are being used to destigmatize menstruation and promote open conversations around hygiene and health. Ongoing Monitoring, Maintenance, and Restocking: All installed vending machines and incinerators are being inspected monthly to ensure they are functioning effectively, well-maintained, and regularly restocked with supplies. 📍 Impact and Community Engagement: This project is being implemented with a strong focus on community participation. Local women's groups, youth volunteers, and sanitation workers are being trained and involved in the operation, supervision, and upkeep of the facilities. College students and community-based organizations are also playing a key role in awareness-building and monitoring. Through this initiative, Auxilium Skills Academy hopes to create a model of sustainable, gender-sensitive sanitation that can be replicated and scaled in other urban and rural areas.