ACT India Foundation implements a comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Menstrual Health Programme across Dindigul District, reaching adolescent girls, young women, college students, school students, textile and garment workers, including migrant women workers. The programme aims to improve knowledge, dignity, health, and access to essential menstrual and reproductive health services through education, awareness, and community-based support systems.
The initiative delivers age-appropriate education on menstrual health and hygiene, sexual and reproductive health rights, nutrition, anaemia prevention, personal hygiene, gender equality, mental well-being, workplace dignity, and access to healthcare services. Special emphasis is placed on addressing stigma, myths, and misinformation that often prevent women and girls from seeking appropriate care and support.
Over the past three years, the programme has directly reached more than 25,000 women and girls through awareness campaigns, educational workshops, peer-led learning sessions, and community outreach activities. Regular support is provided through the distribution of free sanitary napkins to vulnerable women and adolescent girls, particularly those from low-income families, migrant communities, and women residing in textile and garment worker hostels.
To improve menstrual waste management, environmental sustainability, and sanitation infrastructure, ACT India Foundation has facilitated the installation and promotion of automated sanitary napkin incinerators in hostels and workplace settings within textile and garment units. These interventions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more dignified environments while reducing the environmental burden associated with improper menstrual waste disposal.
The programme is implemented through strong partnerships and collaborative networks involving educational institutions, textile and garment industries, healthcare providers, local governments, community-based organisations, volunteers, women leaders, youth groups, and development partners. These partnerships strengthen referral systems, improve access to services, and create sustainable support mechanisms for women and girls.
Through a combination of awareness, education, service linkages, volunteer engagement, and institutional partnerships, ACT India Foundation is building healthier, informed, and empowered communities where every woman and girl can exercise her rights, manage her health with dignity, and actively participate in society without barriers.