Sangini Sanitary Napkins

Sangini Sanitary Napkins

Sangini Sanitary Napkins Project:

Empowering Menstrual Hygiene in Rural Schools, Flagship Initiative of Rotary Club of Pune Central, In Partnership with Jagannath Rathi Jagat Clinic Charity Trust, Initiated by Rtn. PP Madhu Rathi (2016)

Sangini Sanitary Napkins: A Flagship Project:

The Rotary Club of Pune Central, in collaboration with Jagannath Rathi Jagat  Clinic Charity Trust, launched the Sangini Sanitary Napkins project in 2016.

Conception and Initial Phase:

The project’s primary objective was to establish a cottage industry, providing employment opportunities for village women. A suitable building was constructed at Zilla Parishad High School, Alandi, funded by Madhusudan Rathi Charity Trust through CSR funds from Polybond India Pvt Ltd. and Kailash Vaahan. Equipment was purchased from Baroda to manufacture sanitary napkins using a handmade process. The project was inaugurated by PDG Rtn. Prashant Deshmukh, District Governor (2016-2017). 

Evolution and Expansion:

Initially, sanitary napkins were distributed to surrounding school girls under the brand name ‘Sangini Sanitary Napkins’. However, due to quality concerns and high production costs, manufacturing was discontinued. Instead, high-quality napkins were sourced from reputable manufacturers. By 2020, the project had reached 17 schools, distributing over 1 lakh sanitary napkins annually. By 2024-25, the project had expanded to 31 schools, covering 6,500 girls and distributing 2 lakh napkins per year.

Education and Awareness:

To promote menstrual hygiene, a booklet titled ‘Parivartan’ was created, providing information on hygiene, usage, and disposal. Training camps were conducted by doctor Rotarians to educate girls on menstrual health.

Impact and Future Plans:

The Sangini Sanitary Napkins project has made significant strides in promoting menstrual hygiene and empowering village women. With the sole support of PP Madhu Rathi, Managing Trustee of Jagannath Rathi Jagat Clinic Charity Trust, the project will continue to grow. The aim is to increase the number of beneficiary schools and distribute more sanitary napkins, unhindered by financial constraints.

Key Statistics:

• 31 schools benefited
• 6,500 girls impacted 
• 2 lakh sanitary napkins distributed annually 
• 100% increase in distribution since 2020 

Partners and Supporters:

• Jagannath Rathi Jagat Clinic Charity Trust 
• Madhusudan Rathi Charity Trust 
• Polybond India Pvt Ltd. 
• Kailash Vaahan 
• Rtn. PP Madhu Rathi, Rotary Club of Pune Central