Mumbai: In a unified effort to address menstrual health challenges and uplift young girls, SBI Foundation in collaboration with Sky Social and Pee Safe, a prominent proponent of menstrual hygiene, has initiated an endeavor across 35 districts in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This initiative aims to promote menstrual health and hygiene practices among girls in the region.
The plan was guided by the expertise of Anil Kumar Shriwastava and Deepak Kumar Jha from the State Bank of India and championed by a committed team under the leadership of Srishti Pragat, Founder of Sky Social, and including Arunima Tiwari, Sudha Tiwari, Akshay Shukla, Raju Bele, and Anil Rangdale, alongside passionate youth volunteers, has received substantial backing from influential figures such as Binay Kumar Sahoo, Anupam Kumar, and Vikas Mishra, with invaluable contributions from Nupur Aggarwal and Sanat Sahu from Pee Safe, this collaboration is poised for impactful results.
Covering 25 districts in Madhya Pradesh and 10 in Chhattisgarh, the project has reached over 17,500 school girls, providing practical support and empowering them with knowledge about safe and sustainable menstrual practices. Through workshops, sensitization sessions, and the distribution of reusable pads, the initiative aims to reduce school dropouts due to menstruation-related issues and create a supportive environment for discussing menstrual health.
Vikas Bagaria from Pee Safe expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “We are honored to collaborate with SBI Foundation and Sky Social as a Resource Partner, providing reusable pads and comprehensive training. This initiative reflects our joint commitment to menstrual hygiene, women’s empowerment, and sustainable solutions.”
SBI chief manager PR and CSB Vikas Kumar said, “SBI is proud to collaborate with Sky Social and Pee Safe on this impactful initiative to address menstrual health and hygiene. By reaching out to more than 17500 girls across 35 districts, we’re demonstrating our commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. We’ve reached out to many remote locations across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and have travelled 6,500 kms across both the states. More than 800 teachers and school wardens were also reached out through this project and are now more aware of menstrual health and hygiene issues.
The girls have been provided with a sanitary pad kit consisting of three reusable pads that’ll last up to two years. Through a project like this, we’re able to make a tangible difference in the lives of girls, ensuring access to essential resources and promoting dignity for all.
By distributing reusable sanitary pads sourced from Pee Safe, we are not merely offering a temporary fix, but actively promoting long-term solutions that empower girls to manage their menstrual health. This project exemplifies our belief in the transformative power of collaboration and collective action.
The initiative, a part of SBI Foundation’s CSR activities, emphasizes the collective effort to promote menstrual hygiene, break taboos, and ensure access to safe period products, ultimately contributing to the holistic well-being of women in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Sky Social founder Srishti Pragat said, “Our dedication to promoting menstrual health and hygiene transcends mere advocacy—it’s a mission deeply rooted in our belief in the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual. The project has been implemented in over 120 schools and hostel facilities, equipping not only girls but school teachers and wardens on menstrual health and hygiene management. By addressing the taboo surrounding menstruation head-on, we aimed to dismantle stigma and foster open conversations that empower girls to manage their menstrual health with confidence and pride. The distribution of reusable sanitary pads has empowered many girls and has given them the confidence to manage their menstruation in a hygienic manner.”
Through collaborative efforts SBI, Pee Safe, Sky Social are paving the way for a future where menstrual health is prioritized, stigma is eradicated, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.
