Can you tell me about your project related to gender equality? What was its main goal?
Our project focused on addressing the lack of access to affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products, particularly in rural areas where women often face challenges in managing their menstrual health. The main goal of our project was to create biodegradable sanitary napkins from sugarcane bagasse that are both cost-effective and eco-friendly. By providing women with a safe, affordable, and sustainable alternative to traditional sanitary products, we aimed to empower them, improve their health and dignity, and promote gender equality by eliminating a key barrier to their education and participation in society.
What inspired you to focus on this particular gender equality issue for your project?
Our project focuses on SDG 5 by addressing the lack of access to affordable menstrual hygiene products for rural women. Many women in these communities resort to unsafe alternatives, impacting their health, education, and livelihoods. By creating biodegradable sanitary napkins from sugarcane bagasse, we aim to provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution that empowers women to manage their menstrual health with dignity and equality.
Can you share some of the activities or actions you took as part of your project?
As part of our project, we focused on extensive research, development, and testing to create affordable and biodegradable sanitary napkins from sugarcane bagasse. While we have not yet commercialized our product, we have showcased its potential at various platforms and competitions, earning recognition and awards for its innovative and sustainable approach. These achievements validate the impact of our solution and highlight its capacity to address menstrual hygiene challenges, particularly for rural women.
How did you and your team work together to make your project successful?
We collaborated closely by dividing responsibilities based on our strengths and expertise. We worked together to research the use of sugarcane bagasse, design prototypes, and test the product’s effectiveness. Regular brainstorming sessions and constructive feedback ensured continuous improvement. Additionally, our mentor, Ms. Devyani Sharma, provided invaluable guidance, helping us refine our approach and stay focused on our goals. Her support played a crucial role in the success of our project, ensuring it was both impactful and innovative.
Did you face any challenges while working on your project? How did you overcome them?
One of the major challenges we faced was during the research and development process. Ensuring that the sugarcane bagasse was processed into a material suitable for sanitary napkins required extensive experimentation. We had to identify the right methods to achieve adequate absorbency, softness, and durability, which involved multiple trials and adjustments.
Through our teamwork , we were able to overcome these hurdles. Our determination motivated us to cross anything in our way to help contribute in this novel cause.
What do you think was the most important thing you learned from working on this project?
The most important thing we learned from this project was the value of persistence and innovation in solving real-world problems. Developing a sustainable sanitary napkin required continuous research, experimentation, and refinement. We also learned the importance of understanding the needs of underprivileged communities and designing solutions that are both impactful and accessible. This experience reinforced our belief in the power of science and collaboration to drive meaningful change.
Can you describe any positive changes or improvements you observed as a result of your project?
As a result of our project, we observed a growing awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene management, especially in rural communities. Although we have not commercialized the product yet, the recognition and awards we received highlighted the potential impact of our solution. Additionally, we saw a greater appreciation for sustainable alternatives, as our project demonstrated that eco-friendly and affordable solutions can address both gender equality and environmental issues. This has encouraged further conversations around sustainable menstrual hygiene products and their accessibility.
Did you receive any feedback from your classmates, teachers, or community members about your project? If so, what was it?
Yes, we received positive feedback from our classmates, teachers, and community members. Classmates appreciated the innovative approach of using sugarcane bagasse for a sustainable and affordable solution to menstrual hygiene. Teachers commended the thorough research and attention to product quality, especially in balancing biodegradability and effectiveness. This feedback reinforced the relevance and importance of addressing menstrual hygiene challenges in underserved communities.
How do you feel your project has contributed to promoting gender equality and empowering girls and women in your community?
Our project has contributed to promoting gender equality by addressing a critical barrier to women’s health and well-being: access to affordable menstrual hygiene products. By creating biodegradable sanitary napkins from sugarcane bagasse, we provide a sustainable solution that empowers women, especially in rural areas, to manage their menstrual health with dignity. This allows them to continue their education and work without the burden of inadequate or unsafe alternatives. In turn, our project fosters greater gender equality by ensuring that menstrual hygiene is no longer a limiting factor for girls and women in our community.
What are your plans or ideas for continuing to work on gender equality-related issues in the future?
In the future, we plan to continue addressing gender equality-related issues by expanding access to sustainable menstrual hygiene products in underserved communities. We aim to collaborate with local organizations to raise awareness about menstrual health and advocate for the widespread availability of eco-friendly and affordable solutions. Additionally, we hope to work on projects that empower women through education and skills training, enabling them to become active participants in their communities and break free from the limitations imposed by gender inequality.
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