A Cloth Pad Conversation. A Community Garden Response.
Alankuppam, a village in the Marakanam block of Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district, has long relied on agriculture for its livelihood. But in February, something shifted — from just cultivating crops to cultivating conversations and community-led change.
During a session of Goonj’s Not Just a Piece of Cloth (NJPC) initiative, over 50 women gathered in the village. Led by volunteers Anisha and her team, the dialogue went far beyond hygiene. Women opened up about recurring health issues from fibroids and infections to sleep disruptions linked to menstruation.
“Most women knew something was wrong, but didn’t know what to ask or who to ask it to.”
Anisha spoke about the harmful effects of certain commercial sanitary pads and the benefits of healthier, reusable cloth-based alternatives. She introduced the women to the Goonj’s MY Pad, a cloth pad made with care, hygiene, and replicable simplicity — something the women could also learn to make themselves.
When Dialogue Sparks a Garde
What began as a session on menstrual dignity grew into something deeply rooted – literally.
As the women shared their lived realities, the idea of starting a community kitchen garden was born. A patch of land, about 30 by 20 meters, became their canvas. For two months, women turned the soil, sowed seeds, and nurtured vegetables together.
Soon, lady’s fingers, tomatoes, and green peas began sprouting – not just as crops, but as signs of self-reliance. The produce was used in their homes, and surplus was sold in the market. It became food on their plates, income in their hands, and pride in their eyes.
Impact Rooted in Dignity
The income and nutrition were timely, especially during the pandemic. But the change ran deeper.
Alankuppam women created a kitchen garden—growing food, confidence, and community through collective action.
“This was the first time we experienced something like this,” said Mrs. Sangeetha, the group’s leader.
“The yield helped us stay healthy during COVID. We didn’t just grow vegetables – we grew our confidence.”
For the women of Alankuppam, the session wasn’t just about menstruation. It became a moment of recognition of their wisdom, capacity, and collective action. That’s what makes this story more than material. It’s about reclaiming agency, together.
Be a Part of Change
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..
