Breaking the Silence Around Menstruation
In the remote villages of G. Madugula block in Alluri Sitaramaraju district, Andhra Pradesh, a quiet shift is underway. Through Goonj’s Not Just A Piece of Cloth (NJPC) initiative, women from six tribal villages have come together to talk openly about menstrual health—many for the first time.
The change began with Chuppi Todo Baithaks—safe spaces facilitated by Goonj to break the silence around menstruation. Led by rural team member Ramesh, these conversations allowed women to share, ask questions, and rethink long-held myths in their own language and comfort zone.
From Conversation to Solution – Introducing My Pad ATM
As these dialogues deepened, the women didn’t just listen—they acted.
Inspired by the sessions, volunteers from six villages expressed interest in creating easier access to cloth pads. This led to the installation of My Pad ATMs—community-managed cloth pad kits, stored in portable, suitcase-style boxes. These ATMs aren’t machines—they’re trust-based systems maintained by a village member, ensuring any woman can discreetly access cloth pads when needed.
Each ATM reflects the spirit of collective care—no permissions, no pricing, no shame. Just access.
Women gathering for Chuppi Todo Baithak in Andhra Pradesh
A Step Toward Dignified Menstrual Health
The My Pad ATMs are part of Goonj’s broader effort to restore dignity in menstrual health, particularly in geographies where commercial sanitary pads are unaffordable or culturally resisted.
Cloth pads shared through NJPC are:
- Reusable and washable
- Environmentally friendly
- Made through Goonj’s Cloth Based Employment initiative, linking menstrual dignity to rural employment
Most importantly, they carry no stigma—only ownership.
What This Teaches Us
This story is not just about pads or boxes. It’s about agency. About women leading the conversation on their health. About a model that respects privacy, promotes choice, and grows from trust.
In these villages, menstrual health is no longer hidden—it’s shared, understood, and dignified.
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..
