CSR ACTIVITY

Swacchata" initiative, launched on December 1, 2024, is a concerted effort to promote menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in rural West Bengal. Spearheaded by Our Friends In Need Society (OFINS) and funded by Inspectorate Griffith India Pvt Ltd, the project focuses on the installation of free sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators in government schools across Barasat Block II, North 24 Parganas District.

In its initial phase, six vending machines were procured and installed in six government schools. Each machine was strategically placed to ensure easy access for students, and a female supervisor was appointed to manage operations, including awareness sessions and regular maintenance.

The initiative directly benefited 3000-4000 adolescent girls, providing them with easy access to sanitary pads and contributing to a reduction in school absenteeism during menstruation. Feedback from teachers and students indicates a preference for the in-school vending machines over commercial alternatives, citing better quality, affordability, and convenience. Additionally, the project has created employment opportunities and fostered a supportive environment for discussing menstrual health, thereby challenging longstanding taboos and stigmas.