AzadiPads are ultra thin sanitary napkins that are affordable, eco-friendly and accessible in rural areas. AzadiPads provide a hygienic and affordable solution for women who would not otherwise have access to menstruation management products. The pads are distributed by grassroots organizations that have existing networks of women engaged in livelihood activities.
Azadi has devised a holistic solution that increases awareness about menstrual hygiene and access to menstrual management products. They also work to embolden all members in society, including men, women, community based organizations, and policy makers. Their goal is to build communities that are aware, alert, and equipped to mitigate the financial, functional and social challenges girl and women face because of their periods.
Azadi takes direct action through several programs, including its Toll-Free Menstrual Helpline, the Menstrual Friendly Schools Initiative, and the Azadi Instigators Program. Through the Menstrual Helpline (1-‐800-3000‐2805), an adolescent girl can quickly and anonymously speak with a trained counselor about menstruation, menstrual hygiene and menstrual management. The Azadi Menstrual Helpline currently has a focus on Uttar Pradesh, India, and will expand to other Hindi speaking states. Menstrual Friendly Schools aims to map awareness and infrastructure in public schools, in order to empower local bodies and government to take action to fill critical gaps.
A pack of 8 AzadiPads costs 20 Rupees ($0.33 USD).
Azadi's commitment is to singularly focus and work towards making menstruation a non-issue in India. Azadi wants to create an environment in which girls and women have safe spaces and resources to learn about and manage menstruation. The entry into womanhood should become an enabling factor that empowers girls rather than something that leads to financial, functional, and psychological difficulty.
Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: India