Menstrual Recycle
RESEARCH COMMUNITY BUILDING
PERSONAL PROJECT
A personal project that aimed at creating a community which helps young urban South Asian women navigate their path to having a more sustainable period & fosters knowledge sharing.
The Challenge:
Every year India produces about 12.3 billion tonnes of sanitary waste, most of which either ends up in landfill or later incerated. This adds to the already problematic waste management system.
Upto 52% women in urban India use sanitary napkins. Most of them are unaware of how harmful they can be, not only for the enviornment but also fo rtheir own body. I remember the time one of my undergrad friend told me that it takes upto 500-800 years for one sanitary napkin to biodegrade. I felt so cheated. I was producing an immense amount of waste every month for something I couldn’t even help.
Pharma companies do a great job of hiding these facts and brand their “sanitary” products as clean, safe and non toxic when in fact, they are anything but.
Navigating the vast expanse of information available on the internet can be overwhelming and confusing for users, leaving them uncertain about where to start and whom to trust. Furthermore, making significant lifestyle changes can be an intimidating process, particularly when undertaken alone.
Understanding underlying stigma
Recognizing the deep-rooted stigma surrounding menstruation in India, including the reluctance to embrace new menstrual practices due to concerns about hymen intactness, which is often associated with notions of virginity. This cultural perception acts as a deterrent for women considering the use of menstrual cups or tampons. This insight emerged through direct interactions with community members, shedding light on their apprehensions.Exploring & Understanding Experiences
Delving into personal experiences, it became evident that many women were unaware of the detrimental impact their conventional sanitary products had on both the environment and their health. Even after realizing the drawbacks, some felt helpless due to a lack of knowledge on how to proceed or were fearful of adopting a new product.
User personas made after initial primary research
These were collected over an online instagram story to gather
My goals for the project were as follows:
- To create more cognizance amongst the urban menstruating population in India who still used sanitary napkins.
- To build a community of trust and safety for people to help find their own path to sustainable and healthy menstruation.
In the face of daunting processes, it's natural to feel demotivated. That's why personal support and guidance become paramount in these transformative journeys. I am passionate about fostering a community that extends a helping hand tailored to individual experiences and the unique challenges encountered when embracing sustainable alternatives. Creating a safe haven where concerns can be freely expressed is an integral part of this endeavor.
In the final phase of this project, my aim is to empower the younger generation with the freedom to choose their preferred method of menstruation. By introducing sustainable options early on, we can reduce the intimidation factor associated with making a switch later in life, once comfort has been established with a particular product. To kickstart this movement, conducting workshops and delivering impactful lectures in high schools would be an ideal waal way to instigate change.
Menstrual Recycle
Our vision is to cultivate a nurturing community, founded upon compassion and love.
We strive to create an environment where menstruators feel encouraged and supported in their pursuit of finding menstrual solutions that align with their needs and values. By fostering awareness and understanding, we aim to inspire people to embrace these sustainable options, recognizing the benefits they offer.
Together, we can build a community that supports menstruators, fostering a sense of comfort and confidence in their choices while contributing to a healthier planet and improved well-being.
We strive to create an environment where menstruators feel encouraged and supported in their pursuit of finding menstrual solutions that align with their needs and values. By fostering awareness and understanding, we aim to inspire people to embrace these sustainable options, recognizing the benefits they offer.
Together, we can build a community that supports menstruators, fostering a sense of comfort and confidence in their choices while contributing to a healthier planet and improved well-being.
Establishing a dynamic platform for engaging with menstruators across India, and even extending our reach to Pakistan, to genuinely comprehend their reservations about transitioning to sustainable options. Collaborating with skilled gynaecologists, we strive to offer comprehensive solutions and guide them through their transformative journey.
Exploring innovative products and recommending the most suitable options, supported by expert insights, while also providing valuable information on where to procure them. Additionally, sharing effective folding techniques for optimal utilization of menstrual cups.
Creating visually striking graphics that pack a powerful punch, designed to deeply resonate with individuals, effectively conveying the significance of our message.
The Impact
150 active users in the first two weeks of launch.
26 conversations had on instagram regarding their doubts, concerns and trouble about having a more sustainable period.
1200+ impressions on multiple posts.
4 live sessions hosted within two months with industry experts.
1 giveaway hosted in collaboration with menstrual cup company-Saathi