MP SHG Nari Swabhiman produces Affordable Sanitary Pads promoting Menstrual Hygiene

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 9 July 2025

• Inspired by the film Padman, Nari Swabhiman Self-Help Group promotes menstrual hygiene
• With a Rs 3 lakh loan from NRLM, the women’s SHG scaled their production
• The group has replaced unsafe cloth practices with hygienic alternatives

The Nari Swabhiman Self-Help Group in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh, has transformed its village economy by producing affordable sanitary pads. Supported by the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the group aims to promote menstrual hygiene, women's health, and economic self-reliance, transforming their village economy.

The women's SHG in Khor village, inspired by the film Padman, has produced sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene and women's health. With a Rs 3 lakh loan from the National Rural Livelihood Mission, they scaled up production, employing 10-15 women daily. The group has replaced unsafe cloth practices with hygienic alternatives, increased awareness, created stable income streams for rural women, and challenged stigma, demonstrating how SHGs can catalyze gender equity, health awareness, and economic inclusion.

The group supporting women's empowerment in rural India received a contract to produce PPE kits during the pandemic. They now produce affordable, hygienic sanitary pads, raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and breaking age-old taboos. Their work supports families financially and promotes women's health and confidence.

The group aims to protect women's health by replacing cloth with sanitary pads, which can cause infections and other health issues. The NRLM project, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, promotes self-employment and the organization of the rural poor, aiming to form Self-Help Groups among the poor.