Parvaah initiated a targeted effort to address the critical gap in menstrual hygiene and personal care among women in Kalander Colony, Shahdara. This slum cluster, characterized by high-density living and limited health infrastructure, was identified in collaboration with SBT, a local NGO actively working on-ground.
During initial assessments, community health workers and residents shared that many women lacked access to basic hygiene products, and the topic of menstruation remained taboo, often unspoken even within families. This silence has led to widespread misinformation, unhygienic practices, and an increased risk of infection and poor health outcomes.
To better understand and address these concerns, Parvaah collaborated with Anganwadi and ASHA workers to conduct a door-to-door needs assessment. Based on the findings, 200 working women were selected for a pilot outreach through token distribution.
This personalized approach helped build trust and ensured that the intervention reached the most vulnerable individuals.
Drawing on these insights, Parvaah developed the “Sanitary Potli”—a thoughtfully curated kit designed not only to meet immediate hygiene needs but to introduce a routine of care and awareness about menstrual health.
Each reusable potli included:
Toothpaste and toothbrush (Colgate)
Rin washing soap
Dettol bathing soap
Scrubber (Juna)
Sanitary napkins
The kit served as a conversation starter, encouraging women to speak about their experiences, challenges, and the importance of self-care.
On 29 March 2025, Parvaah organized a community health camp in the heart of Kalander Colony. Supported by passionate college volunteers, the event included:
Interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene, led by health educators
200 Sanitary Potli kits distributed to selected women
1,000+ sanitary napkins distributed to others in need
Informal discussions breaking cultural silence around menstruation
Children were also engaged through creative corners with drawing activities, while volunteers guided women on product usage and hygiene routines.
This initiative is part of Parvaah’s long-term vision to address health equity for underserved women, under the umbrella of Project Sahayata.
By combining awareness, accessibility, and dignity, Parvaah is working to ensure menstrual hygiene is not a privilege, but a right. The success of this camp has laid the foundation for expanding the Sanitary Potli model to other low-income settlements in Delhi NCR.
