Project Overview & Impact - The Saki project addresses menstrual health and hygiene among rural Indian women by providing locally produced, affordable sanitary pads [3][4][5] - The project empowers women by training them to manufacture, use, and sell sanitary pads, fostering economic independence and challenging societal taboos [5][6][7] - The initiative has expanded to over 1,000 units across India and internationally, including Bhutan, Nepal, and Jordan (for Syrian refugees) [21][31] - The project integrates education, awareness campaigns, and community involvement to promote menstrual hygiene and challenge cultural stigmas [11][22][23] Innovations & Solutions - The project developed the "Ashud Nashak," a low-cost incinerator for disposing of used sanitary pads, addressing environmental concerns and promoting safe disposal practices [18][19][20] - The "SARS Bahu" pairs (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) working together in production units mitigate social opposition and ensure quality control [13][14] - The project utilizes state transport buses and postal services for efficient and affordable distribution of raw materials and finished products [10][11] - The "Hygiene Bucket Challenge" encourages empowered women to gift sanitary pads and educate other women about menstrual hygiene, reaching 500,000 women [25][26][27] Health & Product - The project emphasizes the importance of internal reproductive health over external beauty, shifting focus towards women's overall well-being [15][16] - The project promotes the use of organic, biodegradable sanitary pads made from agricultural waste (corn ears, aquatic plants, banana stem fibers) to avoid harmful polymers linked to cervical cancer [32][33][34] - The project has expanded its product line to include smart panties for extended protection and is exploring the use of organic materials in baby diapers [35][36][37]