Jayashree Industry

Sanitary napkin-making equipment enhancing the self-respect of millions of poor women globally.

Problem

Period: Though it is as normal as any other biological function of a human body, where the lining of the uterus breaks down and leaves the body through the vagina, it is still brushed under the carpet and not publicly discussed. The stigma associated with a woman bleeding every month leads to poor hygiene among a large section of rural women who use sand husk, dried leaves, ashes, paper, and other such materials instead of sanitary napkins during their menstruation cycle. As a result of these unhygienic practices, more than 70% of women suffer from reproductive tract infections, increasing the risk of contracting associated cancers.

Solution

It is imperative to change mindsets and break the silence to achieve the distant dream of healthy periods along with making sanitary pads affordable for India. Arunachalam Muruganantham, popularly known as PADMAN, founder of Jayashree Industry created the world’s first low-cost machine to produce sanitary napkins at a low cost so that it can be sold at a low price. This has brought in dignity to women from low-income groups in India by making it possible for them to afford to buy sanitary towels and provide them with an income at the same time.

Social Impact

Currently more than 1500 machines made by his start-up company, Jayashree Industries, are installed across 27 states in India and many other countries. This social entrepreneur sells his low-cost machines directly to rural women through the support of bank loans and not-for-profit organizations. Today, they not only are able to afford the sanitary pads made by Muruganatham’s machines, but they’ve also gained employment opportunities.

This innovation has not only helped women, but also broadened the pie. In India, not very long ago, women used to feel shy to go to the nearest shop to buy sanitary pads. Today, millions of women sell them to make a living. So, the whole taboo about mensuration and sanitary pads is slowing withering away.

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