importance of creating a cooperative system in ‘this’ moment which was pushed into chaos as pandemic raged on. In other words, COoperating in this पल.

Our team of female labourers make these cloth pads from second handed linen and towels while maintaining all necessary hygiene and sanitary protocols. The project has been put into effect in Kathmandu (Nepal) and Surat (India) with more than 5000 pads already distributed to the women in need. When they stitch their own cloth pads, they forgo the ones available in the market which not only saves them from using the chemically produced plastic pads, but also saves them money increasing their overall purchasing power. These pads have been proven to be safe for regular use, and can be ordered through our instagram. 

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In order to spread awareness about cloth pads and menstruation, we have collaborated with a fellow NGO, Kamakhya, to conduct online classes about menstruation and cloth pad-making for underprivileged women and girls from rural villages. 

 

Testimonials from our COपल workers have shown us that the project has made a difference in their lives. One of them reached out to us saying that her previous job was as a masseuse, and that she was the only earning member in her family prior to the pandemic. With the pandemic, however, her business dried due to door-to-door services being increasingly viewed as unsafe. She says that COपल really helped her maintain her livelihood and put food on the table for her family.

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Through this project our team both provides employment opportunities to women who have lost their livelihoods in the face of a pandemic and sustainable menstrual products to those who do not have access to them. By providing vocational training in stitching, they stitch cloth pads which can be used for up to 2 years. Till date, the women in our community have stitched more than 3000 cloth pads.

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