Overview Menstrual health is not a luxury — it is a right. At CTLaD, we believe that every woman and girl deserves to manage her menstrual health with dignity, confidence, and access to the right resources. Globally, over 300 million women menstruate daily, yet an estimated 500 million lack access to proper menstrual hygiene management. Our initiative tackles this challenge head-on by raising awareness, dismantling harmful taboos, and equipping women and girls with the knowledge and materials they need.
The Challenge In many rural and low-income communities, menstruation remains a silent struggle. Cultural stigma, misinformation, and scarce resources force countless girls and women to use unsafe materials such as cloth rags, leaves, or paper. Poor sanitation in schools and public spaces compounds the problem, and shame — driven by myths and social taboos — leads to school absenteeism, missed opportunities, and diminished self-esteem. Menstruation should never be a reason for a girl to stay home or feel ashamed.
Our Approach — Four Key Pillars
Education and Awareness: CTLaD organises workshops and community forums for girls, boys, teachers, and parents, encouraging open dialogue, correcting misconceptions, breaking harmful taboos, and providing accurate, age-appropriate information on reproductive health and menstrual cycles.
Access to Hygiene Materials: We distribute sanitary pads and hygiene kits to women and girls in rural and underserved communities. We also promote reusable pad options and partner with local women’s groups to train girls in making their own, ensuring long-term sustainability and affordability.
Infrastructure and Sanitation Support: We advocate for menstrual-friendly environments in schools and public spaces, including private restrooms with water and waste disposal, emergency supplies for girls during school hours, and inclusive menstrual health policies.
Community Advocacy and Policy Engagement: We work with local leaders, faith groups, and government agencies to advance policy reforms that treat menstrual health as a public health and education priority, and to integrate menstrual hygiene education into school curricula and community development programmes.
Our Impact CTLaD has reached hundreds of girls and young women with menstrual health education, distributed thousands of sanitary pads and hygiene kits in rural communities, trained teachers and peer mentors to sustain awareness, encouraged positive attitude shifts among boys and community members, and helped reduce school absenteeism during menstrual periods. When women and girls are informed, equipped, and supported, they thrive — without limitations or shame.
