A Simple Solution to a Complex Issue
When Goonj’s team engaged with the women of Tembhare village in Shahapur Tehsil (Thane district, Maharashtra), an important issue surfaced during a Break the Silence Meeting. Many women in the village were taking medication to delay menstruation when stepping out for work or travel. This practice led to health complications that were often overlooked or normalised.
Through Goonj’s ‘Not Just a Piece of Cloth’ initiative, conversations around menstrual health and well-being deepened. But beyond awareness, the women wanted to take tangible action. Their idea? A kitchen garden—not just as a source of nutrition but as a way to reclaim control over their health, food choices, and economic well-being.
Community Action for Sustainable Chang
- Women came together, choosing to grow their own fresh vegetables instead of relying on external sources.
- A Variety of Crops for Better Nutrition – The women planted bitter gourd, radish, rhubarb, cucumber, and spinach, ensuring access to nutrient-rich produce.
- Reducing Household Expenses – Growing food locally meant less dependency on markets, helping families save money on vegetables while promoting organic, home-grown nutrition.
Through Goonj’s Women’s Kits, participants also received essential menstrual and personal health products, reinforcing that health and dignity go hand in hand.
Impact Beyond the Kitchen Garden
- Menstrual Health & Nutrition Linked – The initiative encouraged women to prioritise their health holistically, integrating better nutrition with menstrual awareness.
- Self-Sufficiency & Savings – Women reduced household expenses while gaining a sustainable food source for their families.
- Community-Led Replication – The success of this initiative inspired more women in the village to explore similar nutrition-driven solutions, showing how local knowledge and collective action create long-term change.
This is how Goonj’s NJPC initiative works—not just by giving materials but by enabling and empowering communities to take charge of their well-being through dignity-led solutions.
Be a Part of Women-Led Change
Access to healthy food and menstrual awareness should not be a privilege—it should be a choice every woman can make. Across India, women are redefining health and dignity through simple, people-driven solutions like this. Learn more: www.goonj.org/njpc
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..
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