Cloth Pad Training by Ashoka Trust For Research In Ecology And The Environment (ATREE)
About the Solution
This solution by ATREE (in collaboration with Community Environmental Resource Center) addresses water body pollution and women’s health impacts caused by single-use synthetic sanitary pads in Muhamma Panchayath, Kerala. It promotes reusable and biodegradable alternatives such as cloth pads and menstrual cups, paired with awareness campaigns and community behavior change efforts. Over two years, the initiative has led Muhamma to become the first synthetic sanitary-pad-free panchayat in India, reducing waste and improving water quality and health.
ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment) is a non-profit organization working at the intersection of environment, policy, and community engagement. It conducts research, designs field interventions, and partners with local self-government bodies, health departments, and women’s self-help groups to implement scalable behavior change solutions. Its work focuses on ecological conservation, public health, and sustainable development through grounding in local context and stakeholder participation
They can be reached via:
Phone: +91-80236-35555
Mail: info@atree.org
Training
Category –Capacity Building & Training, Handholding, Knowledge Documentation & Resources,
Sub-Category – Cloth Pad Training
Duration – N/A
Group Size – N/A
Willingness to travel – Yes
Languages Supported – N/A
Certification – N/A
Assessment – N/A
Mode – N/A
Institution / Trainer – ATREE, CERC
Schedule – N/A
Short Description –
Audience: N/A
Objectives:
To reduce pollution of lakes, ground water, and wetlands from synthetic sanitary waste.
To promote health and hygiene among women by offering safe, reusable menstruation products.
To transform social norms, reduce stigma around menstrual hygiene, and raise awareness through participatory education.
To establish economic models and supply chains so sustainable alternatives are accessible, affordable, and adopted long term.