MIT Students Pioneer 'Project Ecosanitation' for Menstrual Health and Sustainability
In a significant move to combat menstrual health stigma, a group of engineering students from the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched 'Project Ecosanitation'. This initiative aims to raise awareness about menstrual health while advocating for sustainable hygiene practices across India.
Inspired by Real-World Observations
The project was founded by Sristi Bose, who was motivated to start it after witnessing the pervasive stigma and lack of knowledge surrounding menstruation in various communities. During school outreach programs in Jamshedpur, she noticed that many girls were frequently absent during their menstrual cycles. "At first, I thought the reason might be financial difficulties, but when I asked teachers, I learned that many girls simply stayed away from school during their periods," Sristi told TOI.
Her understanding deepened during visits to rural and tribal areas. "We encountered women who did not use sanitary napkins and often relied on traditional practices due to social taboos and lack of awareness. In several communities, menstruation is still considered a taboo subject. Many women hesitate to discuss it openly, and some are unaware of the biological process behind menstruation. During our sessions, we explain what periods are, why they happen, and why menstrual hygiene is crucial," she explained.
Addressing Gender Disparities and Health Issues
Sristi highlighted that in many schools, boys are often excluded from lessons on menstruation, leading to discomfort and misunderstandings. "It is important for boys as well to understand menstruation, and we are now exploring ways to conduct joint awareness sessions for both boys and girls," she said.
During their campaigns, the students also address related health concerns such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovary disorder (PCOD). "In almost every session, we find two or three girls who relate to the symptoms," Sristi noted.
Innovating with Sustainable Solutions
The team is actively developing biodegradable sanitary napkins made from natural materials like bamboo and hemp. They have already produced their first prototype and plan to create a second version within the next six months.
Incubated at MAHE and part of the beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship programme, the startup seeks funding to establish small-scale production units in villages where campaigns have been conducted. This initiative aims to employ local women to manufacture and distribute affordable sanitary pads.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Core members include Urja Srivastava, head of the Mumbai chapter, and Bhavana Peri, head of the Hyderabad chapter. Since its first campaign in West Bengal in December 2024, the initiative has organized eight awareness drives across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Karnataka. "We are all engineering students from diverse fields, but we are driven by the impact this work can create," Sristi emphasized.
Urja Srivastava shared insights on community responses: "In cities like Mumbai, people are more open to asking questions once they find a safe space. In some rural areas, there is still hesitation."
