Project Overview:
In Bangladesh, many school-going girls still
lack accurate knowledge about menstrual
health, leading to the adoption of
unhygienic practices. Due to stigma and
misinformation, they often face physical
discomfort, infections, and even
psychological distress. These challenges
contribute to school absenteeism, negatively
affecting their education and future
opportunities. To address this critical issue,
ROOT has launched an initiative aimed at
increasing menstrual health awareness
among schoolgirls. The project focuses on
educating students about menstrual
hygiene, the importance of using sanitary
napkins, and maintaining cleanliness. By
engaging students, teachers, and parents,
the initiative seeks to foster an open and
informed environment where menstruation
is discussed without shame or fear. Through
a combination of awareness sessions,
sanitary product distribution, and
infrastructural improvements in schools, this
project aspires to empower young girls with
the knowledge and resources necessary to
manage their menstruation safely and
confidently.

Objectives:
The primary goals of this project are:

▪ 1. Enhancing Menstrual Health Awareness – Educating schoolgirls about menstrual
health, hygiene, and nutrition to ensure they
understand the importance of maintaining
cleanliness during their periods.
▪ Promoting Safe and Hygienic Practices –
Encouraging the consistent and proper use
of sanitary napkins to prevent infections and
health complications.

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▪ Breaking Social Taboos – Challenging myths
and stigmas surrounding menstruation to
create an environment where girls feel
comfortable discussing and managing their
periods. On-going Projects
▪ Increasing School Attendance Rates –
Reducing menstruation-related absenteeism
by providing the necessary support and
facilities to help girls attend school with
confidence.

Key Activities:
To achieve its objectives, ROOT has designed
a multi-faceted approach that includes the
following activities:

▪ Educational Workshops Conduct
interactive awareness sessions in schools to
teach girls about menstrual health, personal
hygiene, and nutrition. Address common
misconceptions and myths associated with
menstruation. Introduce safe menstrual
management practices and explain the
health risks of using unhygienic materials.
▪ Sanitary Napkin Distribution Provide free
or low-cost sanitary napkins to schoolgirls,
ensuring accessibility to hygienic menstrual
products. Collaborate with local
manufacturers, NGOs, and government
bodies to make sustainable sanitary napkin
distribution a reality.
▪ Training for Teachers and Parents Organize
training programs for teachers to help them
guide and support students in menstrual
hygiene management. Conduct parental
engagement sessions to encourage open
conversations at home, reducing stigma and
misinformation.
▪ Health Camps and Counseling Services
Arrange periodic medical check-ups and
counseling sessions with gynecologists and
health workers in schools. Provide guidance
on menstrual disorders, hygiene-related
infections, and nutrition. Offer psychological
support to address any menstrual related
anxiety or stress.
▪ Hygienic Toilets and Water Facilities Ensure
the availability of clean and safe toilets for
girls in schools. Install proper disposal
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systems for used sanitary napkins to maintain
hygiene. Improve access to clean water for
proper menstrual hygiene management.

Expected Impact:
By implementing this initiative, ROOT expects
to bring about significant positive changes in
the lives of schoolgirls, including:

▪ Improved Menstrual Health Awareness – Girls
will develop a better understanding of
menstruation and adopt healthier hygiene
practices.
▪ Reduction in Unhygienic Menstrual Practices – The use of safe and clean sanitary products
will decrease infections and health risks.
▪ Higher School Attendance Rates – Girls will
feel more confident attending school during
their periods, reducing absenteeism.
▪ A More Supportive and Inclusive Society –
Increased awareness will help break the stigma
surrounding menstruation, encouraging open
discussions and greater support for menstrual
health.

Sustainability and Long-Term Goals:
ROOT aims to ensure the long-term success
and scalability of this initiative by:

▪ Partnering with government agencies and
NGOs for policy support and funding.
Encouraging local businesses to contribute
through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
initiatives.
▪ Promoting eco-friendly menstrual products,
such as biodegradable sanitary napkins and
menstrual cups, for long-term sustainability.
▪ Developing peer mentorship programs where
older students educate younger girls about
menstrual health.
▪ By fostering a society where menstruation is
no longer a taboo topic, ROOT envisions a
future where every girl can manage her period
with dignity, confidence, and safety.