For the women of Bormukoli village in the Sissiborgaon block (Dhemaji), Assam, accessing menstrual hygiene products was a challenge—especially during the floods when travel to the market became difficult. With limited options, women often had to compromise on their menstrual health and well-being.
This Republic Day, alongside Saraswati Puja celebrations, the village took a bold step forward in ensuring menstrual dignity—installing Goonj’s first MyPAD ATM in Assam.
This initiative wasn’t just about accessibility; it was about enabling women with a reliable, community-led solution for menstrual health.
A Self-Sustaining Model for Menstrual Health
The MyPAD ATM is a manual, community-operated system that ensures a steady supply of reusable cloth pads within the village.
- Women can now access Goonj’s cotton cloth MY Pads—a sustainable, comfortable, and reusable alternative to market-base options.
- The initiative ensures availability even during floods, when movement is restricted.
- Proceeds from pad sales are reinvested locally for village development—sustaining projects like school repairs and sanitation.
Break the Silence meeting on menstrual health
Ensuring sustainable menstrual health access
“Earlier, we had to rely on markets far away. Now, with this in our village, menstrual hygiene is within our reach anytime,” shared a local resident.
More than 200 people gathered to celebrate the installation, which was followed by Goonj’s Chuppi Todo Baithak (Break the Silence Meeting)—creating a safe space for open discussions on menstrual health.
Normalizing Menstrual Health with Sustainable Solutions
The MyPAD ATM initiative is a step towards making menstrual health accessible, stigma-free, and community-led. By placing resources where they are needed the most, communities can lead their own solutions.
Community celebration of menstrual health accessibility
Be part of this movement
For over two decades, Goonj has facilitated thousands of such conversations, sparking action-led solutions where communities take charge of their own challenges. Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
