Across Kolkata’s densely populated informal settlements, families can face limited access to clean water, sanitation, secure work and essential services. For girls and women, menstruation can bring added pressure. Periods are often surrounded by silence and stigma, pads can be difficult to afford, and a lack of reliable information can leave questions unanswered.
Without practical support, girls may miss lessons, women may lose time at work, and health concerns can go unspoken. The Landing Pad initiative responds with locally produced sanitary pads, menstrual health education and open conversations that help replace shame with knowledge and dignity.
Run by the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre, the initiative combines menstrual health education with free access to sanitary pads. Sessions provide women and girls with practical information about menstruation, hygiene, product use, and when to seek healthcare. Women, girls, boys, and men are encouraged to ask questions and challenge misinformation together.
Community leaders are trained to continue these conversations locally, while follow-up visits help the team hear feedback and respond to community needs. In 2025, the program produced 50,540 sanitary pads, provided free menstrual products to 4,143 women and girls, and trained three community leaders to deliver awareness sessions.
With your support, the Landing Pad initiative can continue providing menstrual health education, free sanitary pads and community awareness sessions. Pad ATMs installed in three communities make pads more accessible, while ongoing engagement helps ensure the programme reflects local needs.
Together, practical support and open conversation can help women and girls manage their periods safely, stay connected to education and work, and participate in community life with greater confidence and dignity.
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