Surakshya, meaning protection in Nepali, is a sanitary napkin-making project implemented by Maiti Nepal in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank in 2019. The project was operated inside the premises of Maiti Nepal at Pingalasthan, Gaushala, Kathmandu. The project’s main objective was to empower high-risk girls/women through the production of low-cost sanitary napkins. The product is chemical free which is an added benefit.
The project ensured a sustainable business model and promotes safe menstrual hygiene. Additionally, it intends to provide entrepreneurship skills to girls and women who are survivors of human trafficking and other forms of crimes and abuse. The women and girls involved received education and awareness about human trafficking and exploitation.
Surakshya provided employment opportunities to ten girls and women of Maiti Nepal, empowering them economically and making them self-reliant through their involvement in the sanitary napkin production process. The project has produced 27,567 pieces of sanitary napkins, and the production was not halted even during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Maiti Nepal is looking to develop marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and increase the production base of the project. The aim is to contribute to the health and hygiene of women and girls in rural areas and supply the products to as many schools and underprivileged communities as possible.
