The Reality of Menstruation in Fishing Communities
In the Katamari and Deulbari villages of West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, women who rely on fishing for their livelihoods face an additional struggle—managing menstruation while working in water for long hours.
Due to the nature of their work, using cloth during menstruation becomes difficult. With no access to alternative options, many women resort to using plastic bags, leading to severe itching, rashes, and an increased risk of skin infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
A fisherwoman shared her experience:
“Many men in our community drink in the mornings and take no responsibility for their families. The entire burden of earning is on us. We go fishing for long hours in salt water, develop various skin issues, and we have to do so even while menstruating.”
For these women, menstruation was not just about discomfort—it was a constant challenge to their health, dignity, and daily work.
Breaking the Silence – Women Finding Their Own Solutions
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Goonj organized Chuppi Todo Baithaks (Break The Silence Meetings) in these villages. These gatherings encouraged women to openly discuss menstrual health, share their challenges, and explore practical solutions rooted in their local realities.
During these discussions, the women came together to co-create a community-led solution—the ‘MY Pad ATM.’
The MY Pad ATM – A Community-Led Initiative
With Goonj, the women of Katamari and Deulbari set up a MY Pad ATM—a resource point where women could access clean, reusable cloth sanitary pads.
Inauguration of the MY Pad ATM in Katamari Village
The ATM launch became more than just an event—it turned into a cultural gathering, where over 150 people participated. Women learned about safe menstrual practices, hygiene solutions, and how to care for reusable pads.
Instead of relying solely on plastic, they started combining Goonj’s MY Pad cloth pads with plastic barriers—a practical adaptation that made it easier to manage menstruation while working in water.
Beyond Access – Redefining Menstrual Dignity
The MY Pad ATM is more than just a distribution point. It represents:
- A shift from silence to conversations about menstruation.
- A locally-driven initiative addressing a critical need.
- A dignified, sustainable, and accessible solution for fisherwomen managing menstrual health in challenging conditions.
Women accessing reusable cloth pads from the MY Pad ATM
Through this initiative, menstrual health is no longer an individual struggle—it is a shared responsibility rooted in collective action.
For these women, it’s not just about managing menstruation—it’s about reclaiming dignity, health, and control over their own bodies.
Be a part of the movement
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..
