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Puja Urkude
Yavatmal
Bio
I have seen a lot of people in our society who view menstruation as impure. And that is why we see many rules being imposed during menstruation at home and temple. We have seen when women and girls in villages or families whose financial condition is not good are using cloth instead of sanitary napkin according to their financial condition. But due to repeated use of the same cloth or because of shame they do not put the cloth in the sun, it causes different diseases. But our society ignores it due to religious principles. And many diseases occur so it is very important to create awareness about it in the society. This is my idea.
2024-01-04 00:45:53
Changed Location - Madhya Pradesh
On June 2023, I changed my location because I got a placement in one of the organizations that working in Hyderabad on Tribal Women and child rights in forest, health, and education but the organization's field work is mainly in Madhya Pradesh. So I next did my prototyping in MP because I can work easily and spend more time in it here.
2024-01-04 00:35:49
Menstruation week awareness - Video ,Audio and written Interview
On June 7, 2023, when I sat down with some girls from Madhya Pradesh to discuss Menstruation Week and conducted individual and group interviews, it was found that there is very little awareness about menstruation in the tribal community. Along with that, after discussing with the girls, it was found that the girls have a lot of receptiveness. Because if I sat with 15-20 girls and gave them information about menstruation and eco-friendly menstrual products, they agreed to use menstrual cups without any fear. Because they are working with the Dhaatri organization on the environment and they are aware of sanitary pads used during menstruation. It was seen how much damage was being done. So they agreed to use menstrual cups and clothes pads. Also ordered from me as they were not available there. Also, I created a group for sending daily updates related to menstruation.
2024-01-04 00:22:59
Discussion with Stakeholders for collaboration
In June 2023, I discussed my work with social worker Varshatai over the phone. In the Yavatmal district, Varshatai works on various topics. But his main work is to make young girls aware of sanitary pads. After that Varshatai wished me good luck with my work as she was a bit shocked to see my WhatsApp Dp and work as I work so much thinking at such a young age. After that, when Varshatai asked me about my work, I explained my work to Tai, then Tai told me that she is personally working in the villages in Yavatmal district like Madkona, Bhari, Kalamb, and Shivani, etc. to create awareness about the use of sanitary pads by girls and women Because in the course of her other work, she noticed that some girls and women in the above villages still use the cloth available at home during menstruation. Then Tai told me that she guides women and girls to use sanitary pads. Then she said that a plan was made to provide sanitary pads to women and girls free of cost. Environmental damage is caused due to these sanitary pads. As they know that pads do not decompose for 300-800 years, they have compromised with some shareholders to get the sanitary pads incinerator at a low cost. She said that. So I mixed her work and my work and explained that she was mainly working on women's health and not harming the environment, and I was also working on women's and girls' health as well as not harming the environment. Both have a lot of similarities in their work. But there seems to be a slight difference in the work of both. I am leading women and girls away from using sanitary pads. Varshatai is guiding women and girls to use sanitary pads. Then I told Tai that our work is similar. But I felt a little different in our work. If on the one hand, we are paying attention to avoid environmental damage and on the other hand we are providing free sanitary pads to girls, then this is not right. To this, Varshatai said to me that there is no other solution, so I am buying a sanitary pads incinerator which is available at a low price. Also, when Varshatai asked me if there was another solution for this, I told her two options were cloth pads and menstrual cups. Varsha Tai did not understand this. So I said to be more clear that you are creating awareness and also guiding about using sanitary pads among women and girls right in that place. Here you can create awareness among girls about cloth pads and menstrual cups. This can help you achieve your goal of protecting women's health because using sanitary pads has been shown to cause most illnesses. Like rashes, screen infections, and even cancer. This will also protect the environment. If we train women in the future how to make clothes, women will also get employment. Thus I planned with Varsha Tai and she also agreed. On June 6, 2023, my classmate Akshay who is currently working on the topic of health in the Gandhi fellowship. I sent them a Google form to fill out the video-related information. He then guided me to make clothes pads from the fiber of the banana testator and he informed me about an industry started by one Anuj Ramatri in Madhya Pradesh. Also sent some videos about making clothes pads.
2024-01-04 00:13:18
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability.
An audit was done to create awareness about using hygienic menstrual products in June of 2023. During the audit it was found that a few villages in Yavatmal district were not educated about women's sanitation products which can be a cause for multiple diseases. The volunteer in charge took action and worked towards bringing awareness in the area.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2024-01-01 23:36:20
Menstrual health awareness and environmental impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
On May 2023, an online session was conducted with 9 girls in TISS, Mumbai campus. The interactive session ensured guidance of menstrual health and hygiene and understanding its environmental impacts.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2024-01-01 23:13:10
Contacted with Shakeholders who are working on menstrual health issue.
On May 2023, Discussed with one of the stakeholders who work on menstruation. I met them so that time she asked me about my work so I told them briefly about reap benefits and my work. But after a day, she again asked me about details of my work. After that we discussed both work and then they taught me how to make the clothes pad .For that they gave me 15 minutes. In our discussion I gave a future opportunity to connect with her.
2024-01-01 23:02:41
Organizations research working towards sustainable menstrual products
On April 2023, I compiled a list of organizations working on menstrual health because I wanted to get more information about my problem statement and the solution. For that I researched 7 institutes and contacted one institute. The name of that organization is Myna Launchpad organization. This organization is functioning at Mankhurd, Mumbai. I contacted them via email for an appointment but they didn't respond for a long time. Then they responded but they said they didn't have time. So I can't visit. Later I changed my location as my college was over.
2023-12-30 18:04:36
Hostel Sanitation Audit - TISS , Mumbai
On March 2023, I did four hostel sanitation audit in TISS Mumbai campus.
2023-12-30 17:43:05
Primary research data analysis
In March 2023, I did data analysis of the primary research and Analyzed the data of the above total female respondents it concluded that out of a total of 100 % i.e. 16 respondents, Most of 81.25 % i.e. 13 respondents are studying in TISS, Mumbai college. In that, a maximum of 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents are doing an MA Education course. While a maximum of 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents are in the age group of 22 years. So 37.50% i.e. 6 respondents are in the age group of 23-24 years. A brief consideration will reveal that most of the respondents are young adults with higher education. Also, most of the 68.75% i.e. 11 respondents are from different areas of Maharashtra state like Bhandara, Yavatmal, Chikhli, etc. Also out of 100 % i.e. 16 respondents, a maximum of 56.25 % i.e. 9 respondents have 5 members in their families and a maximum of 37.50% i.e. 6 families have 4 females. That is, if we consider the members of the family, it will be noticed that the number of women in the family is more than the number of men in the family. Analyzing the entire data, turning to the main data related to my problem statement, it is observed that 100% i.e. 16 respondents know about menstruation. But they don't have full clarity about it so most of the respondents answered through Google and by asking other people. Also, what is menstruation? Most 56.25 % i.e. 9 respondents first time got information about this from their school. Most of them 62.50 % i.e. 10 respondents had started menstruation in the age group of 14-15 years. But from these 16 respondents, the average age of starting menstruation is 12-15 years. Also, a maximum of 63 % i.e. 10 respondents got the information before the onset of menses. In that, a maximum of 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents got information from their teachers before the onset of menstruation. If we know the condition of the respondents about menstruation, it was found that 75% i.e. 12 respondents have regular menstruation, and a maximum of 87.50% i.e. 14 respondents use sanitary napkins, and 6.25% i.e. 1 respondent use sanitary napkins and cloth and this is 100% i.e. 16 Among the respondents only 6% i.e. 1 respondent use menstrual cup. This will show our target that despite being well-educated most of the respondents do not use menstrual cups due to many reasons. Also, 94% i.e.15 girls do not wear any cloth. 100% i.e. 16 respondents know about sanitary napkins and a maximum of 87.50% i.e. 14 respondents use sanitary napkins regularly. Also, a maximum of 50% i.e. 8 respondents buy sanitary napkins from medical and a maximum of 43.75% i.e. 7 respondents go themselves to buy the sanitary napkins they need. Out of 100 % i.e. 16 respondents, 75 % i.e. 12 respondents got information about menstrual cups through social media but 93.75 % i.e. 15 respondents do not use menstrual cups. In this, the average monthly cost of sanitary napkins to the respondents is Rs 75. Also, most 37.50% i.e. 6 respondents use sanitary napkins for 6-8 hours, but during menstruation, 75% i.e. 12 respondents have problems like itching rashes and infection. But most of them 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents face the problem of itching. Knowing about the disposal of sanitary napkins, it was found that a maximum of 50% i.e. 8 respondents throw the sanitary napkins in the dustbin without washing. 87.50 % i.e. 14 respondents are aware of diseases caused by menstruation. While 100 respondents go to college, school, and work during menstruation. Whereas 75% i.e. 12 respondents know the relationship between menstruation, health, and environment. Analyzing all the above data, it can be seen that the girls in the adult class of higher education are not aware of how menstruation affects the environment, so I realized from this data that it is very important to work on this.
2023-12-30 17:33:38
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
A research done by a volunteer about the use of non-biodegradable menstrual products and its environmental effects: These commercial disposable sanitary pads have a devastating effect on the environment and are an eco-disaster (The Guardian, 2017). Authors, Stein and Kim (2009), in their book Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation reveal that an average woman discards 250 to 300 pounds of used “pads, plugs, and applicators'' in her lifetime which end up in sewage, landfills, fields, and water bodies posing threat to the environment (Hindustan Times, 2017). These non-biodegradable pads contain chemicals, toxins, and plastic (Economic Times, 2017; Hindustan Times, 2017; Syren, 2018). Sanitary pads contain more than 90% plastic (Hindustan Times, 2017).
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:31:04
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
Problem statement by one of the volunteers: Harmful health effects of certain menstrual products such as pads which are unsustainable can cause skin issues & its environmental impacts due to its non-biodegradable nature.
A survey conducted in several colleges in Govandi and Mankhurd, revealed that most girls are unaware of the health and environmental impacts of using menstrual products that are non-sustainable and non-biodegradable.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:26:23
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
Problem statement by one of the volunteers: Harmful health effects of certain menstrual products such as pads which are unsustainable can cause skin issues & its environmental impacts due to its non-biodegradable nature.
A survey conducted in several colleges in Govandi and Mankhurd, revealed that most girls are unaware of the health and environmental impacts of using menstrual products that are non-sustainable and non-biodegradable.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:22:43
Menstrual health awareness and its impact- Government School visit in Govandi, Mumbai
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
Several attempts were made to conduct sessions in Schools located in Govandi and Mankhurd. Due to annual exams at the time, the sessions were deferred.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:20:14
Menstrual health awareness and its impact- an investigation
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability.
In Feb 2023, one of the volunteers conducted a survey and an investigation of the harmful health effects of certain menstrual products. It was concluded that most of these products caused rashes and other backterial infections in adolescent girls. According to the report 'Menstrual Waste 2022' (India), sanitary napkins contain chemicals called Phthalates, which are also used to make plastics that can cause cancer, infertility, PCOD and endometriosis. According to a report by an environmental group called 'Toxic Links', 1230 crore sanitary pads were disposed off in 2021. A sanitary pad contains plastic equivalent to 4 plastic bags, which takes about 250 to 800 years to degrade.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:04:08
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability.
A survey conducted by one of the volunteers found that the schools in Govandi and Mankhurd had pressing issues related to menstrual hygiene and the safe use and disposal of the products. After working with Samajbandh (https://samajbandh.org) & Reap Benefit on menstrual health and its impact, they were able to devise solutions to tackle the problem.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-25 00:27:03
Intership - Varhad Organization, Amaravati
On Nov 2022, I did work in Varhad organization, Varhad organization specially working with 5 prison in Maharashtra. During my internship I Provided Legal Aid for the Prisoners and their family members. Collected case studies by vising the prisoners of Amravati and Akola has done extensive field work made home visits with the team of VARHAD. Also write a case.
2023-12-25 00:24:22
Internship - Family Counselling Center Vashi, Navi Mumbai
On June 2022 , I did internship in family counselling center during this internship i did Resource allocation, case work and documentation work also organized awareness programs and conducted disability awareness sessions. As well as I worked on Bal Sangopan Scheme.
2023-12-25 00:07:47
UG and PG student Mentorship for higher Education - Eklavya India
Between April and August of both 2021 and 2022, I had the privilege of providing mentorship to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students. My role encompassed several crucial aspects of support for these students. First, my focus was on motivation and guidance for their career paths. I dedicated time to understanding their aspirations, strengths, and areas needing development, providing them with guidance tailored to their individual goals. I aimed to inspire and encourage them to pursue their ambitions with confidence and clarity. Additionally, I engaged in parental counseling sessions, recognizing the significant influence families have on students' decisions. These discussions aimed to align parental perspectives with their children's aspirations, fostering a supportive environment conducive to their academic and professional growth. As part of the mentorship, I assisted students in preparing for interviews, imparting essential skills and knowledge to enhance their performance. I provided information about available hostels and scholarships, ensuring they had access to necessary resources to support their educational journey.
2023-12-24 23:46:54
Primary level research data collection through TISS Mumbai.
On February 2020 , I did data collection of SDG in different villages in Yavatmal district. through the Survey i got deep information and situations of villages.
2023-12-20 15:50:06
Organization work experience
On September 2020 -August 2021 -During covid period I did work in MATRU BHUMI Multipurpose Organization Yavatmal - as a counselor. In that i went in all the food shop in Yavatmal district and checked Food Safety and Goomshat License and did food Inspection and gave training to shopkeeper.
2023-12-20 15:34:37
Investigated about education and its shortcomings
November 2019, I did my field work in government school Yavatmal so I have some idea about education in our society. As we can see that the number of children in municipal schools, government schools has reduced very much and schools are on the verge of complete closure. Even those families who are not financially well off are sending their children to private schools as the number of children in school has decreased as the teaching quality of municipal school teachers has also deteriorated. Therefore, I think that the number of children in municipal schools should increase, so that children who are not in good financial condition can also get a good quality education of their right. If municipal schools are closed, children whose situation is very dire. Those children will not be able to get an education. And if the municipal schools are closed, they will be deprived of education. Therefore, as a social work student, I think that we should think about this backward class in the society and prepare an action plan to increase the number of municipal schools and create awareness in the society. Field work should be given to the children working in fellowship in municipal schools from which the fellows will get the data of the drop out children and through their home visits they will counsel and try to bring the children to school. Through this initially 100% result will not be seen but 35% result will be seen and also we should work on finding the needy children in the society and focus on enrolling them in school and also try to get the educational materials they need through the government. Also, to bring quality in the education in the municipal corporation, we shall start an initiative to implement creative activity in the school by our fellows, which will make the children interested in school and if the parents see their response in studies is good, they will complete their further education in the municipal school itself. Because I am a girl studying in a municipal school living in Ner, a small taluka of Yavatmal district, but today I am studying in a place like Tata institute of social science Mumbai. So I think children can progress not only in private school but also in primary school as long as the quality of education is good.
2023-12-19 21:35:15
Kolhapur - Sangli flood volunteer work
In Aug 2019, we came to Kolhapur - Sangli , Maharashtra in flood situation and stayed there for a month and worked in disaster management. In that, I was helping people with counseling, family kit distribution, counselling and cleaning.
2023-12-19 21:06:56
Paani Foundation training and activities
On April 2019, Engaged in training at Khadki and contributed as a Shramdan participant in Umlapole village, Yavatmal District. Led awareness initiatives across villages, emphasizing the significance of water conservation. Provided comprehensive training sessions to locals, focusing on efficient water management techniques. Encouraged and motivated community collaboration, fostering group efforts to address the water scarcity challenge.
2023-07-22 14:39:28
Investigation of beggars children.
In Sep 2018, some people from the organization XYZ were moving around in different places. They saw many beggars in the Yavatmal district. It had a high rate of children begging out of school so they decided that they were searching for such a child and why were they begging? And do they want to go to school ?By asking this, they should be freed from the beginning and given free admission in the school. So for this the people in this organization decided to search for such children.T his period was 2019-20 years. So they decided to search for a beggar in Yavatmal city and For that help they came to Savitri Jyotirao Social Work College, Yavatmal , After visiting the college, Prof. Ghanshyam darne introduced to the students of class 2nd year and the Staff of the organization explained the purpose of their work. For this work we decided to do a survey and I made a survey form for this work. In addition, the students discussed various places in Yavatmal where people sit to beg. There are about 8-9 places in Yavatmal where people beg. Some of the early students took the survey form and started asking for information but they did not get the complete information. So those students gave this review to the rest of the children so that they would not get such false information again. As a solution to this, the students did not wear college uniforms but wore other dresses. I did not put any Id Card around my neck and took the complete information while talking so as to discuss easily. While collecting this information, from the personal information of the beggars to the family information, complete information was gathered from the discussion. It turned out that not only the elderly were begging, but their grandchildren were also begging. From this it was realized that two generations have passed in this .At the same time, while getting information about children, it was noticed that children want to learn in school. Even so, It is an ancestral business. Begging is our business .So parents make their children look for school from an early age.
Bio
I have seen a lot of people in our society who view menstruation as impure. And that is why we see many rules being imposed during menstruation at home and temple. We have seen when women and girls in villages or families whose financial condition is not good are using cloth instead of sanitary napkin according to their financial condition. But due to repeated use of the same cloth or because of shame they do not put the cloth in the sun, it causes different diseases. But our society ignores it due to religious principles. And many diseases occur so it is very important to create awareness about it in the society. This is my idea.
2024-01-04 00:45:53
Changed Location - Madhya Pradesh
On June 2023, I changed my location because I got a placement in one of the organizations that working in Hyderabad on Tribal Women and child rights in forest, health, and education but the organization's field work is mainly in Madhya Pradesh. So I next did my prototyping in MP because I can work easily and spend more time in it here.
2024-01-04 00:35:49
Menstruation week awareness - Video ,Audio and written Interview
On June 7, 2023, when I sat down with some girls from Madhya Pradesh to discuss Menstruation Week and conducted individual and group interviews, it was found that there is very little awareness about menstruation in the tribal community. Along with that, after discussing with the girls, it was found that the girls have a lot of receptiveness. Because if I sat with 15-20 girls and gave them information about menstruation and eco-friendly menstrual products, they agreed to use menstrual cups without any fear. Because they are working with the Dhaatri organization on the environment and they are aware of sanitary pads used during menstruation. It was seen how much damage was being done. So they agreed to use menstrual cups and clothes pads. Also ordered from me as they were not available there. Also, I created a group for sending daily updates related to menstruation.
2024-01-04 00:22:59
Discussion with Stakeholders for collaboration
In June 2023, I discussed my work with social worker Varshatai over the phone. In the Yavatmal district, Varshatai works on various topics. But his main work is to make young girls aware of sanitary pads. After that Varshatai wished me good luck with my work as she was a bit shocked to see my WhatsApp Dp and work as I work so much thinking at such a young age. After that, when Varshatai asked me about my work, I explained my work to Tai, then Tai told me that she is personally working in the villages in Yavatmal district like Madkona, Bhari, Kalamb, and Shivani, etc. to create awareness about the use of sanitary pads by girls and women Because in the course of her other work, she noticed that some girls and women in the above villages still use the cloth available at home during menstruation. Then Tai told me that she guides women and girls to use sanitary pads. Then she said that a plan was made to provide sanitary pads to women and girls free of cost. Environmental damage is caused due to these sanitary pads. As they know that pads do not decompose for 300-800 years, they have compromised with some shareholders to get the sanitary pads incinerator at a low cost. She said that. So I mixed her work and my work and explained that she was mainly working on women's health and not harming the environment, and I was also working on women's and girls' health as well as not harming the environment. Both have a lot of similarities in their work. But there seems to be a slight difference in the work of both. I am leading women and girls away from using sanitary pads. Varshatai is guiding women and girls to use sanitary pads. Then I told Tai that our work is similar. But I felt a little different in our work. If on the one hand, we are paying attention to avoid environmental damage and on the other hand we are providing free sanitary pads to girls, then this is not right. To this, Varshatai said to me that there is no other solution, so I am buying a sanitary pads incinerator which is available at a low price. Also, when Varshatai asked me if there was another solution for this, I told her two options were cloth pads and menstrual cups. Varsha Tai did not understand this. So I said to be more clear that you are creating awareness and also guiding about using sanitary pads among women and girls right in that place. Here you can create awareness among girls about cloth pads and menstrual cups. This can help you achieve your goal of protecting women's health because using sanitary pads has been shown to cause most illnesses. Like rashes, screen infections, and even cancer. This will also protect the environment. If we train women in the future how to make clothes, women will also get employment. Thus I planned with Varsha Tai and she also agreed. On June 6, 2023, my classmate Akshay who is currently working on the topic of health in the Gandhi fellowship. I sent them a Google form to fill out the video-related information. He then guided me to make clothes pads from the fiber of the banana testator and he informed me about an industry started by one Anuj Ramatri in Madhya Pradesh. Also sent some videos about making clothes pads.
2024-01-04 00:13:18
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability.
An audit was done to create awareness about using hygienic menstrual products in June of 2023. During the audit it was found that a few villages in Yavatmal district were not educated about women's sanitation products which can be a cause for multiple diseases. The volunteer in charge took action and worked towards bringing awareness in the area.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2024-01-01 23:36:20
Menstrual health awareness and environmental impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
On May 2023, an online session was conducted with 9 girls in TISS, Mumbai campus. The interactive session ensured guidance of menstrual health and hygiene and understanding its environmental impacts.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2024-01-01 23:13:10
Contacted with Shakeholders who are working on menstrual health issue.
On May 2023, Discussed with one of the stakeholders who work on menstruation. I met them so that time she asked me about my work so I told them briefly about reap benefits and my work. But after a day, she again asked me about details of my work. After that we discussed both work and then they taught me how to make the clothes pad .For that they gave me 15 minutes. In our discussion I gave a future opportunity to connect with her.
2024-01-01 23:02:41
Organizations research working towards sustainable menstrual products
On April 2023, I compiled a list of organizations working on menstrual health because I wanted to get more information about my problem statement and the solution. For that I researched 7 institutes and contacted one institute. The name of that organization is Myna Launchpad organization. This organization is functioning at Mankhurd, Mumbai. I contacted them via email for an appointment but they didn't respond for a long time. Then they responded but they said they didn't have time. So I can't visit. Later I changed my location as my college was over.
2023-12-30 18:04:36
Hostel Sanitation Audit - TISS , Mumbai
On March 2023, I did four hostel sanitation audit in TISS Mumbai campus.
2023-12-30 17:43:05
Primary research data analysis
In March 2023, I did data analysis of the primary research and Analyzed the data of the above total female respondents it concluded that out of a total of 100 % i.e. 16 respondents, Most of 81.25 % i.e. 13 respondents are studying in TISS, Mumbai college. In that, a maximum of 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents are doing an MA Education course. While a maximum of 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents are in the age group of 22 years. So 37.50% i.e. 6 respondents are in the age group of 23-24 years. A brief consideration will reveal that most of the respondents are young adults with higher education. Also, most of the 68.75% i.e. 11 respondents are from different areas of Maharashtra state like Bhandara, Yavatmal, Chikhli, etc. Also out of 100 % i.e. 16 respondents, a maximum of 56.25 % i.e. 9 respondents have 5 members in their families and a maximum of 37.50% i.e. 6 families have 4 females. That is, if we consider the members of the family, it will be noticed that the number of women in the family is more than the number of men in the family. Analyzing the entire data, turning to the main data related to my problem statement, it is observed that 100% i.e. 16 respondents know about menstruation. But they don't have full clarity about it so most of the respondents answered through Google and by asking other people. Also, what is menstruation? Most 56.25 % i.e. 9 respondents first time got information about this from their school. Most of them 62.50 % i.e. 10 respondents had started menstruation in the age group of 14-15 years. But from these 16 respondents, the average age of starting menstruation is 12-15 years. Also, a maximum of 63 % i.e. 10 respondents got the information before the onset of menses. In that, a maximum of 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents got information from their teachers before the onset of menstruation. If we know the condition of the respondents about menstruation, it was found that 75% i.e. 12 respondents have regular menstruation, and a maximum of 87.50% i.e. 14 respondents use sanitary napkins, and 6.25% i.e. 1 respondent use sanitary napkins and cloth and this is 100% i.e. 16 Among the respondents only 6% i.e. 1 respondent use menstrual cup. This will show our target that despite being well-educated most of the respondents do not use menstrual cups due to many reasons. Also, 94% i.e.15 girls do not wear any cloth. 100% i.e. 16 respondents know about sanitary napkins and a maximum of 87.50% i.e. 14 respondents use sanitary napkins regularly. Also, a maximum of 50% i.e. 8 respondents buy sanitary napkins from medical and a maximum of 43.75% i.e. 7 respondents go themselves to buy the sanitary napkins they need. Out of 100 % i.e. 16 respondents, 75 % i.e. 12 respondents got information about menstrual cups through social media but 93.75 % i.e. 15 respondents do not use menstrual cups. In this, the average monthly cost of sanitary napkins to the respondents is Rs 75. Also, most 37.50% i.e. 6 respondents use sanitary napkins for 6-8 hours, but during menstruation, 75% i.e. 12 respondents have problems like itching rashes and infection. But most of them 31.25 % i.e. 5 respondents face the problem of itching. Knowing about the disposal of sanitary napkins, it was found that a maximum of 50% i.e. 8 respondents throw the sanitary napkins in the dustbin without washing. 87.50 % i.e. 14 respondents are aware of diseases caused by menstruation. While 100 respondents go to college, school, and work during menstruation. Whereas 75% i.e. 12 respondents know the relationship between menstruation, health, and environment. Analyzing all the above data, it can be seen that the girls in the adult class of higher education are not aware of how menstruation affects the environment, so I realized from this data that it is very important to work on this.
2023-12-30 17:33:38
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
A research done by a volunteer about the use of non-biodegradable menstrual products and its environmental effects: These commercial disposable sanitary pads have a devastating effect on the environment and are an eco-disaster (The Guardian, 2017). Authors, Stein and Kim (2009), in their book Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation reveal that an average woman discards 250 to 300 pounds of used “pads, plugs, and applicators'' in her lifetime which end up in sewage, landfills, fields, and water bodies posing threat to the environment (Hindustan Times, 2017). These non-biodegradable pads contain chemicals, toxins, and plastic (Economic Times, 2017; Hindustan Times, 2017; Syren, 2018). Sanitary pads contain more than 90% plastic (Hindustan Times, 2017).
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:31:04
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
Problem statement by one of the volunteers: Harmful health effects of certain menstrual products such as pads which are unsustainable can cause skin issues & its environmental impacts due to its non-biodegradable nature.
A survey conducted in several colleges in Govandi and Mankhurd, revealed that most girls are unaware of the health and environmental impacts of using menstrual products that are non-sustainable and non-biodegradable.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:26:23
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
Problem statement by one of the volunteers: Harmful health effects of certain menstrual products such as pads which are unsustainable can cause skin issues & its environmental impacts due to its non-biodegradable nature.
A survey conducted in several colleges in Govandi and Mankhurd, revealed that most girls are unaware of the health and environmental impacts of using menstrual products that are non-sustainable and non-biodegradable.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:22:43
Menstrual health awareness and its impact- Government School visit in Govandi, Mumbai
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability. Most of the menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic which are unsustainable and non-biodegradable.
Several attempts were made to conduct sessions in Schools located in Govandi and Mankhurd. Due to annual exams at the time, the sessions were deferred.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:20:14
Menstrual health awareness and its impact- an investigation
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability.
In Feb 2023, one of the volunteers conducted a survey and an investigation of the harmful health effects of certain menstrual products. It was concluded that most of these products caused rashes and other backterial infections in adolescent girls. According to the report 'Menstrual Waste 2022' (India), sanitary napkins contain chemicals called Phthalates, which are also used to make plastics that can cause cancer, infertility, PCOD and endometriosis. According to a report by an environmental group called 'Toxic Links', 1230 crore sanitary pads were disposed off in 2021. A sanitary pad contains plastic equivalent to 4 plastic bags, which takes about 250 to 800 years to degrade.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-30 17:04:08
Menstrual health awareness and its impact
Creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is essential in improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls. Menstrual health is intricately linked to the environment and sustainability.
A survey conducted by one of the volunteers found that the schools in Govandi and Mankhurd had pressing issues related to menstrual hygiene and the safe use and disposal of the products. After working with Samajbandh (https://samajbandh.org) & Reap Benefit on menstrual health and its impact, they were able to devise solutions to tackle the problem.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene click on the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://tinyurl.com/yc3apny8
2023-12-25 00:27:03
Intership - Varhad Organization, Amaravati
On Nov 2022, I did work in Varhad organization, Varhad organization specially working with 5 prison in Maharashtra. During my internship I Provided Legal Aid for the Prisoners and their family members. Collected case studies by vising the prisoners of Amravati and Akola has done extensive field work made home visits with the team of VARHAD. Also write a case.
2023-12-25 00:24:22
Internship - Family Counselling Center Vashi, Navi Mumbai
On June 2022 , I did internship in family counselling center during this internship i did Resource allocation, case work and documentation work also organized awareness programs and conducted disability awareness sessions. As well as I worked on Bal Sangopan Scheme.
2023-12-25 00:07:47
UG and PG student Mentorship for higher Education - Eklavya India
Between April and August of both 2021 and 2022, I had the privilege of providing mentorship to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students. My role encompassed several crucial aspects of support for these students. First, my focus was on motivation and guidance for their career paths. I dedicated time to understanding their aspirations, strengths, and areas needing development, providing them with guidance tailored to their individual goals. I aimed to inspire and encourage them to pursue their ambitions with confidence and clarity. Additionally, I engaged in parental counseling sessions, recognizing the significant influence families have on students' decisions. These discussions aimed to align parental perspectives with their children's aspirations, fostering a supportive environment conducive to their academic and professional growth. As part of the mentorship, I assisted students in preparing for interviews, imparting essential skills and knowledge to enhance their performance. I provided information about available hostels and scholarships, ensuring they had access to necessary resources to support their educational journey.
2023-12-24 23:46:54
Primary level research data collection through TISS Mumbai.
On February 2020 , I did data collection of SDG in different villages in Yavatmal district. through the Survey i got deep information and situations of villages.
2023-12-20 15:50:06
Organization work experience
On September 2020 -August 2021 -During covid period I did work in MATRU BHUMI Multipurpose Organization Yavatmal - as a counselor. In that i went in all the food shop in Yavatmal district and checked Food Safety and Goomshat License and did food Inspection and gave training to shopkeeper.
2023-12-20 15:34:37
Investigated about education and its shortcomings
November 2019, I did my field work in government school Yavatmal so I have some idea about education in our society. As we can see that the number of children in municipal schools, government schools has reduced very much and schools are on the verge of complete closure. Even those families who are not financially well off are sending their children to private schools as the number of children in school has decreased as the teaching quality of municipal school teachers has also deteriorated. Therefore, I think that the number of children in municipal schools should increase, so that children who are not in good financial condition can also get a good quality education of their right. If municipal schools are closed, children whose situation is very dire. Those children will not be able to get an education. And if the municipal schools are closed, they will be deprived of education. Therefore, as a social work student, I think that we should think about this backward class in the society and prepare an action plan to increase the number of municipal schools and create awareness in the society. Field work should be given to the children working in fellowship in municipal schools from which the fellows will get the data of the drop out children and through their home visits they will counsel and try to bring the children to school. Through this initially 100% result will not be seen but 35% result will be seen and also we should work on finding the needy children in the society and focus on enrolling them in school and also try to get the educational materials they need through the government. Also, to bring quality in the education in the municipal corporation, we shall start an initiative to implement creative activity in the school by our fellows, which will make the children interested in school and if the parents see their response in studies is good, they will complete their further education in the municipal school itself. Because I am a girl studying in a municipal school living in Ner, a small taluka of Yavatmal district, but today I am studying in a place like Tata institute of social science Mumbai. So I think children can progress not only in private school but also in primary school as long as the quality of education is good.
2023-12-19 21:35:15
Kolhapur - Sangli flood volunteer work
In Aug 2019, we came to Kolhapur - Sangli , Maharashtra in flood situation and stayed there for a month and worked in disaster management. In that, I was helping people with counseling, family kit distribution, counselling and cleaning.
2023-12-19 21:06:56
Paani Foundation training and activities
On April 2019, Engaged in training at Khadki and contributed as a Shramdan participant in Umlapole village, Yavatmal District. Led awareness initiatives across villages, emphasizing the significance of water conservation. Provided comprehensive training sessions to locals, focusing on efficient water management techniques. Encouraged and motivated community collaboration, fostering group efforts to address the water scarcity challenge.
2023-07-22 14:39:28
Investigation of beggars children.
In Sep 2018, some people from the organization XYZ were moving around in different places. They saw many beggars in the Yavatmal district. It had a high rate of children begging out of school so they decided that they were searching for such a child and why were they begging? And do they want to go to school ?By asking this, they should be freed from the beginning and given free admission in the school. So for this the people in this organization decided to search for such children.T his period was 2019-20 years. So they decided to search for a beggar in Yavatmal city and For that help they came to Savitri Jyotirao Social Work College, Yavatmal , After visiting the college, Prof. Ghanshyam darne introduced to the students of class 2nd year and the Staff of the organization explained the purpose of their work. For this work we decided to do a survey and I made a survey form for this work. In addition, the students discussed various places in Yavatmal where people sit to beg. There are about 8-9 places in Yavatmal where people beg. Some of the early students took the survey form and started asking for information but they did not get the complete information. So those students gave this review to the rest of the children so that they would not get such false information again. As a solution to this, the students did not wear college uniforms but wore other dresses. I did not put any Id Card around my neck and took the complete information while talking so as to discuss easily. While collecting this information, from the personal information of the beggars to the family information, complete information was gathered from the discussion. It turned out that not only the elderly were begging, but their grandchildren were also begging. From this it was realized that two generations have passed in this .At the same time, while getting information about children, it was noticed that children want to learn in school. Even so, It is an ancestral business. Begging is our business .So parents make their children look for school from an early age.