Zero Waste Period Awareness Tour
Led by Pushpa Bajaj, the Zero Waste Period Awareness Tour champions menstrual hygiene, reusable sanitary pads, and sustainable living, all with a touch of grassroots spirit.
In a splendid show of spunk, sustainability and sisterhood, Team Shubham has rolled up its sleeves (and eco-friendly banners) to launch a 10-day Zero Waste Period Awareness Tour, starting from the picturesque village of Swer. Yes, you heard that right – this isn’t your run-of-the-mill health drive. This one’s got pads, purpose and Patricia Mukhim behind it. What more could one ask for?
Led by the indefatigable Pushpa Bajaj, president of the Shubham Charitable Association and clearly someone who doesn’t believe in sitting still when there’s work to be done, the initiative is determined to take the message of Mission Zero Waste Period to every nook and cranny of the Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block. The goal? To have rural communities talking openly (and proudly) about menstrual hygiene, reusable sanitary pads, and sustainable living without blushing behind a betel leaf.
Now, if you’re wondering whether people actually turned up or if it was just the village cows and a curious hen in attendance—fear not. Thursday’s launch event saw a robust gathering of 94 participants, all ears and eager to soak in the information like good tea leaves in hot water. There were lively discussions, workshops, and more than a few “Ah-ha!” moments as women from neighbouring villages joined hands in solidarity—and curiosity.
At the centre of the campaign is the humble-yet-heroic reusable sanitary pad. Not only does it offer a softer, greener, and more comfortable experience, but it’s also giving rural women a chance to stitch their way into entrepreneurship. Who knew a period product could be so empowering? Talk about turning the crimson tide into a golden opportunity.
The sessions, held with the enthusiasm of a village fair and the seriousness of a scientist in a lab, are more than just informative. They’re transformative. Participants explore everything from eco-friendly alternatives (say goodbye to plastic-packed nasties) to practical zero-waste habits and good old-fashioned women’s empowerment. And let’s face it—nothing says empowerment like being able to talk about one’s uterus without whispering.
Next up on the tour is Kongthong—yes, that melodious village where people famously communicate through tunes. On Friday, the hills will be alive not just with the sound of whistled names but also with discussions on menstrual health and how to keep the planet as clean as a whistle.
Organised in partnership with the Meghalaya State Livelihoods Mission (MSLM) and the Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block, the campaign has a cherry on top in the form of Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim’s endorsement. When a woman of her stature lends her voice, you sit up straighter and listen—preferably on a stool made from recycled bamboo.
The tour winds its way through various villages and will reach its grand finale in Laitkroh on April 23. So, if you’re in the region between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, don’t be shy—pop by, have a listen, and leave a little wiser (and possibly with a reusable pad in your hand).
Because, let’s be honest—changing the world might just start with changing how we talk about periods. And if that comes with a cup of local tea and a few laughs along the way, well, all the better. Cheers to that.
Picture sources : Getty Images
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