I borrowed an undergarment from my daughter when I got my period in the relief camp. I wasn’t prepared. I only had one undergarment. — Woman from Bhatapda village, Puri District
In post-disaster situations, menstrual health often remains unspoken yet deeply impacted. When Cyclone Fani hit Odisha, women found themselves navigating their monthly cycles without access to clean cloth, privacy, or essential supplies.
“I mostly wore wet undergarments. I had no other option. I washed and reused the same pair.” — Resident of Mallagram village
“I tore my only saree every month to use as a pad.” — Rina Perhda, Mallagram village
When basic essentials are scarce, women turn to resourcefulness—but at the cost of their health and dignity. Many, like Sangita Priyadarshini from Sanadhi village, shared how they endured days of discomfort with limited clothing, making even small hygienic choices a challenge.
Shifting the Conversation: ‘Not Just a Piece of Cloth’ (NJPC)
At Goonj, menstrual dignity is not an afterthought—it’s a fundamental part of relief and rehabilitation.
Through ‘Not Just a Piece of Cloth’ (NJPC), Goonj repurposes urban surplus cloth into reusable, high-quality cloth pads—breaking the silence and stigma around menstrual health. Women are not just receiving these cloth pads; they are part of conversations that challenge taboos and drive local solutions.
Menstrual dignity should not be a crisis-driven conversation—it should be a year-round priority.
NJPC Session
Join the movement to ensure dignified menstrual health for all. 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..
Learn more at: www.goonj.org/njpc
#NotJustAPieceOfCloth #Goonj #DignityInMenstruation #MenstrualHealth #CommunityLedChange
