Under the ongoing Kishori Sashaktikaran Project implemented by Swabhiman Samiti, adolescent girls from Kudhiya Tola and Madanpur villages in Siddharthnagar took a significant initiative to address an important community issue — the lack of proper disposal facilities for sanitary pads. This effort, undertaken on July 26, 2025, highlights the increasing awareness, leadership, and social responsibility among rural adolescent girls.
During group discussions and awareness sessions held under the project, adolescent participants identified that improper disposal of sanitary pads was creating unhygienic conditions in their communities. Many girls expressed discomfort due to the absence of suitable dustbins in schools and public places, leading to unsafe disposal practices. Recognizing this as a health and environmental concern, the group decided to take collective action to bring about change.
Demonstrating strong teamwork and problem-solving abilities, group leaders and volunteers of both villages drafted formal proposals and submitted them to their respective Gram Pradhans (village heads). The proposals requested the installation of dustbins at appropriate locations for safe and hygienic disposal of sanitary pads. This initiative reflected the girls’ growing sense of civic responsibility and their ability to engage effectively with local governance structures.
The entire process — from identifying the problem to preparing and submitting the proposals — was guided by project facilitators from Swabhiman Samiti. Their mentorship helped the girls understand how to raise community-level issues in a constructive and solution-oriented manner.
The initiative not only addressed an urgent menstrual hygiene management concern but also showcased the emerging leadership qualities among the adolescent participants. The girls demonstrated:
By taking ownership of the issue, these adolescent leaders inspired other girls in their communities to voice their concerns and participate actively in decision-making processes. The proposal submission also created awareness among village leaders about the importance of sanitation facilities for women and girls.
The action taken by the girls of Kudhiya Tola and Madanpur stands as a powerful example of adolescent empowerment in rural areas. What began as a small community concern has transformed into a model of civic engagement and leadership.
Through the Kishori Sashaktikaran Project, Swabhiman Samiti continues to nurture such initiatives, encouraging adolescent girls to become agents of change. This simple yet meaningful step — advocating for sanitary pad disposal facilities — is a testament to how awareness, confidence, and collective effort can drive sustainable progress in health and gender equality.
