In Foskadanga, a remote village in Alipurduar, West Bengal, menstruation wasn’t just about hygiene—it was about water. Every month, women relied on a debris-filled village pond as their only water source, making menstrual health management even more challenging.
During a Chuppi Todo Baithak (Break the Silence meeting) held by Goonj, this issue came to light. But instead of seeing it as an individual challenge, the women saw an opportunity—to reclaim their water source, not just for themselves, but for their entire community.
Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
Women-led community action for water security
With a shared resolve, women and men came together to clean and restore the pond. What began as an effort to ensure cleaner water for menstrual hygiene quickly became a community-driven solution for year-round water security. Farmers in the village would now have better irrigation, and access to water became easier for all.
Revived water source in West Bengal village
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..
