Project Comprehensive Health and Rural Development Society (CHARDS)

In the remote, flood-prone village of Gadhghat, access to basic healthcare remains a significant challenge due to the absence of nearby primary health care centers. Deeply rooted social norms further worsen the situation especially for adolescent girls by discouraging them from adopting proper hygiene practices. Gender-based barriers restrict their decision-making power, and financial constraints only add to their health vulnerabilities.

Amidst these challenges, Sunita, an active member of CRY America’s Adolescent Girls’ Collective, emerged as a changemaker. Despite receiving little encouragement from her parents, she took it upon herself to motivate other girls in the community to adopt menstrual hygiene practices, emphasizing the importance of using sanitary napkins.

Recognizing her unwavering dedication to creating positive change, the project team made her the leader of the Adolescent Girls’ Collective and the operator of a local sanitary napkin bank. Gradually, as the impact of her work became visible and community girls began to shift their attitudes, even her initially hesitant parents were convinced. They began attending health sessions organized by the project and became vocal advocates for women’s health within the community.

When Sunita expressed her aspiration for higher education which was threatened by financial constraints, the project team stepped in once again. They connected her with a government financial aid program, ensuring that nothing would stand between her and her dreams.