The She-Rise reusable sanitary pads initiative, launched in Meghalaya this week, is turning heads for all the right reasons. Aimed at transforming menstrual hygiene through sustainable products, the project also promotes female employment and zero-waste practices in rural and tribal regions of the state.
Backed by state grants, She-Rise is not just about period care—it’s about giving women a platform to lead in health, business, and environmental change.
She-Rise Reusable Sanitary Pads: The Mission
At its core, the She-Rise initiative supports:
- Production of reusable sanitary pads made from organic cotton and bamboo fiber
- Training women in rural Meghalaya to make and distribute the products
- Reducing menstrual waste, which often ends up in rivers or landfills
- Providing affordable access to sanitary pads for underserved communities
Unlike plastic-based disposables, She-Rise pads are washable and last up to 3 years. This makes them a smart, cost-effective solution for menstruators across the region.
Learn more about menstrual hygiene sustainability on Menstrual Health Alliance India
Empowering Women Through Green Jobs
She-Rise directly creates jobs for local women. In just its first month, it has:
- Established 15 small production hubs
- Trained over 200 women in stitching and quality assurance
- Enabled fair wages and access to healthcare
Importantly, many of these women are now first-time earners. For example, in Ri Bhoi district, a group of mothers who once relied solely on agriculture now manage an entire She-Rise unit.
“This is about dignity, health, and independence,” said state Social Welfare Minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh. “She-Rise reusable sanitary pads offer all three.”
Why Reusable Pads Matter in Meghalaya
Each year, India discards over 1 billion disposable pads. In Meghalaya, poor waste disposal systems worsen the environmental toll. Single-use pads take 500–800 years to decompose, and many end up polluting water sources.
However, She-Rise pads are different. Since they’re reusable, each one:
- Prevents up to 150 disposable pads from being dumped
- Saves users up to ₹2,500 over 3 years
- Reduces plastic waste significantly
How the She-Rise Pads Are Distributed
The project uses a grassroots distribution model:
- Local health workers deliver kits during menstrual health sessions
- Government schools provide She-Rise pads to girls for free
- Self-help groups (SHGs) run subsidized sales at rural eco-shops
Through these networks, the She-Rise reusable sanitary pads initiative expects to reach over 50,000 girls and women by the end of 2025.
Support the She-Rise Movement
This initiative needs more than just praise—it needs participation.
You can:
- Spread awareness in your school or community
- Donate to women-run cooperatives producing eco-friendly pads
- Partner with NGOs to expand She-Rise into other NE states
- Educate girls on hygienic and sustainable menstrual practices
Your involvement can help break period stigma and create a zero-waste future.
READ MORE: Arambai Tenggol Leader Arrest Sparks Manipur Outcry
The She-Rise reusable sanitary pads initiative is more than a menstrual health project—it’s a movement that’s reshaping how communities in Meghalaya talk about women, waste, and wellness. By combining employment, education, and environmentalism, She-Rise is showing how grassroots innovation can lead real change.
With the right support, this homegrown solution could become a national model for inclusive, sustainable development.
