Swachh Nari: Data-Driven Assessment of Menstrual Hygiene in East Champaran.

Academic Research Title: "Statistical Correlation between Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Practices and Self-Reported Reproductive Tract Infections in Village Demographics."

Location: Rural East Champaran, Bihar, Katgenawa

Target Group: Adolescent Girls & Women (12–45 years)

Duration: 4 Weeks

1. Executive Summary

Project Swachh Nari is a research-backed sanitation initiative. In rural East Champaran, menstrual health is shrouded in silence, leading to severe Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs). This project aims to survey 250 women to collect quantitative data on their hygiene practices (product usage, disposal methods, and infection symptoms). Based on this data, we will conduct a targeted awareness workshop and distribute hygiene kits. The project delivers immediate relief while generating a Health Status Report to guide future project interventions in the region.

2. Problem Statement

While awareness of sanitary pads has increased, adoption remains inconsistent due to cost and shame.

• The Hidden Risk: Many women use cloth but wash and dry it in dark, damp corners to hide it from men. This leads to bacterial growth and infections.

• The Data Gap: There is no localized data in this village linking "Drying Practices" to "Health Complications."

• The Consequence: High rates of absenteeism in schools and silent suffering among women.

  
  

3. Objectives

1. Assess: To map the percentage of women using Cloth vs. Pads vs. Ash/Other materials.

2. Correlate: To statistically analyze the link between improper drying of menstrual cloth and symptoms of infection (itching/burning).

3. Educate: To demonstrate the correct method of disposal and hygiene maintenance.

4. Methodology & Data Analysis

Phase 1: The "Pink Survey" (Data Collection)

A discreet, women-only survey to collect sensitive data points:

• Hygiene Index: Frequency of changing absorbents (every 4 hrs vs. 12 hrs).

• Disposal Method: Burning, Burying, or Throwing in ponds (water pollution risk).

• Symptomatic Data: Frequency of lower abdominal pain or UTIs during cycles.

Phase 2: The Workshop (Intervention)

• Myth Busting: Interactive session to debunk myths (e.g., "menstruation is impure").

• Demonstration: Visual demo of how much liquid a pad absorbs vs. cloth.

• Distribution: Handing out "Swachh Kits" (1 Month supply of pads + Soap) as a behavioral nudge.

Phase 3: The Report (Analysis)

We will produce a statistical report answering:

• Is cost the primary barrier, or is it disposal shame?

• What percentage of cloth-users report infection symptoms compared to pad-users?

5. Budget Breakdown

Component	Description	Cost (INR)
Hygiene Kits	250 Packets of Sanitary Pads (Bulk rate @ ₹35/pack)	₹8,750
Sanitation Support	250 Small Soaps + Paper Bags for disposal education	₹3,500
Logistics	Tent/Mat/Mic rental for Village Meeting	₹3,000
Survey Materials	Printing forms, Charts, & Pens	₹1,500
Team Support	Travel & Refreshments for volunteers	₹2,000
Contingency	Emergency fund / Waste bin purchase	₹1,250
TOTAL		₹20,000

6. Expected Outcomes (Impact)

Social Impact

• 250 Women will receive a free month's supply of hygiene products.

• Breaking the "Culture of Silence" through open community discussion.

• Reduction in unsafe disposal practices (stopping women from throwing waste in local water bodies).

Data Impact (Deliverable)

A Final Assessment Report containing:

• Usage Pie Chart: Cloth vs. Pad adoption rates in East Champaran.

• Risk Correlation: Data showing high infection risk among women who dry cloths indoors.

• Policy Note: Recommendations for local administration on waste disposal solutions.

7. Conclusion

Project Swachh Nari is an evidence-based approach to social work. By spending just ₹20,000, we are not only providing immediate hygiene support but also diagnosing the root causes of poor health in the community. This data will serve as a baseline for scaling up the project to neighboring blocks.