Danier - SANIMART
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Authors
Elizabeth Dunn
Issue Date
2015-08
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Water and Sanitation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Danier is 25 and works at the SANIMART ‘factory’ – a small centre within a community in Rangpur District of Bangladesh. SANIMART makes biodegradable, xxxx, good quality but cheap sanitary napkins. Periods are still a difficult subject across Bangladesh, it’s considered to be a highly private matter that should never be discussed or known about. In some areas, a woman is considered unclean during this time. This means that a lack of information and education about the monthly cycle and proper sanitary care is very rare and girls are forced to hide away and use rags to soak up the blood. These rags are then reused over and over again. When they are washed, they shouldn’t be seen by anyone, which means drying them is difficult. During this time, girls don’t attend school, because they are too afraid of blood leaking onto their clothes SANIMART enables girls and women to access affordable sanitary products. The women not only make the products, they also encourage other women in their community to use them and are starting to break the silence around the issue. Danier told us “I’m currently at college and studying general studies and Islamic history. I live in this community. Normal working time is 9-11.” – in the morning. Danier also works as a teacher in her spare time and would like to pursue this after college, she said “I am a teacher and want to do this full time. I teach three children now.” Danier works at SANIMART when she is not attending college, this gives her the opportunity to earn extra money for her studies. She also enjoys the working environment as most of the girls are of similar age and enjoy spending the time together. “I’m happy, I even use the product. I am helping other girls. No longer do they have to feel shy.” Before SANIMART, all the women and girls in her community used rags, thanks to this project, the majority now use these affordable products. They cost 4 taka per packet. Each girl produces 40 pieces per day and gets paid 0.50 taka per napkin. http://practicalaction.org/blog/news/campaigns/menstrual-hygiene-day/