Sanitation, Hygiene & Empowerment (SHE)
Empowering Adolescent Girls Through Health & Dignity
Why Menstrual Health Access Matters?
According to a report by UNICEF (2022), nearly 23% of girls in India drop out of school once they reach puberty due to the lack of proper menstrual hygiene management and inadequate sanitation facilities. Additional data from NFHS-5 (2021) shows that almost 50% of adolescent girls have limited or no knowledge about menstrual health before their first period, leading to stigma, fear, and unsafe hygiene practices.
Many rural schools still lack clean, functional toilets, forcing girls to miss classes or walk long distances to find private spaces, which directly affects attendance and learning outcomes (Ministry of Education, 2023).
These findings reinforce the urgent need for initiatives like SHE that combine menstrual hygiene education, sustainable sanitary products, and improved sanitation infrastructure to ensure dignity, safety, and equal opportunities for young girls.
Our Approach
Sanitation, Hygiene and Empowerment (SHE) is Sewa International’s initiative dedicated to improving the lives of adolescent girls by addressing critical gaps in sanitation and menstrual health. The project empowers young girls with the knowledge and resources to manage their health with confidence and dignity.
Promoting Safe Hygiene Practices
Through school-based awareness sessions, SHE promotes safe hygiene practices and educates girls on the importance of menstrual health. The project also distributes reusable, eco-friendly sanitary napkins—encouraging sustainable habits while addressing affordability and accessibility.
Infrastructure for Lasting Impact
To combat early school dropout and the lack of safe facilities, SHE aims to construct multiple toilets across various districts. These efforts ensure that girls have access to clean, private, and functional sanitation facilities—creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Our Impact
22,185
Girls Supported
56
Colleges Collaborated
31
Districts Reached
44,370
Lives Impacted
