Amma started the Saukhyam Reusable Pads project in 2017, so that women and girls have a much better product for menstrual hygiene under the Amrita SeRVe program. Today the initiative is a full-fledged social enterprise creating jobs and enhancing rural economies. Many health and education related problems women and girls face in low-income communities can be solved by providing access to the right products for menstrual hygiene.
The Saukhyam team was one of 75 purpose-driven teams chosen from all across India by Niti Aayog, the premier policy think-tank of the Government of India for the Women Transforming India Awards 2021. Ms. Anju Bist, co-creator of Saukhyam Pads, received the award on behalf of Team Saukhyam.
Last year, Saukhyam was recognized as one among the top ten climate innovations in South Asia by Climate Launchpad, the world’s largest supporting ecosystem for green businesses. Trees are destroyed for making disposable sanitary napkins, further exacerbating climate change and Saukhyam pads help prevent that.
Over 500,000 pads sold and distributed to-date are helping prevent the emission of over 2000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Reusable menstrual pads are better for our trees, seas, bodies and wallets. Amma’s vision is that the same high quality pad that is exported should also be made available in the most remote rural areas at very affordable prices.
The Saukhyam team has helped eliminate an estimated 43,750 tons of non-biodegradable menstrual waste to-date. This is the world’s first team to use banana fiber for reusable pads.