In order to impart the knowledge of menstrual hygiene among the women of rural areas, an 18-year-old Sohan Pappu has launched a unique mission on its own in Hyderabad.
Sohan, who is pursuing BBA, has started the campaign called ‘Suraksha’ and has developed organic sanitary napkins for the women. The teen boy is also a chairman of Our Youth Social Community, who works day in and out to promote social welfare has also conducted several campaigns in the city to bring awareness among women regarding the use of organically prepared sanitary pads.
“Data shows that 88 percent of Indian rural women do not have access to sanitary napkins,” said Sohan.
“We started with distributing sanitary
napkins available in the market free among the women. We received an excellent
response, but I was not happy after I came to know that harmful chemicals are used
to make these napkins,” he further added.
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Sohan, then conducted research to understand the process of making the sanitary pads during which he realized harmful chemicals, plastic, and bleaching powder are used to make napkins. Thus, it pushed him to come up with organic sanitary napkins.
“There are many products in the market which claim to be organic, but they are not. I made a product from banana pulp and bamboo and received a good response from the women. I am going to make them in bulk once I procure the right machines,” the entrepreneur added.
When asked why he started the initiative, Sohan said: “Many girls drop out of school because they do not have access to good-quality sanitary napkins. The chemicals can cause UTI.”