SHAKTI SHALINI
Empowering Women to Break Barriers and Lead Change
Gender disparity and discrimination remain pressing issues in India. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, India ranks 127th out of 146 countries, with significant gaps in economic participation, educational attainment, and political empowerment. Nearly 66 per cent of women in India are either unpaid or underpaid for their work (ILO, 2023), while only 14 per cent of leadership roles are held by women.
Besides, access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains a significant challenge, directly impacting health and nutrition outcomes in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 35 per cent of children under five suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition, and 57 per cent of women aged 15-49 are anaemic. Poor WASH conditions exacerbate these issues, with over 50 per cent of rural households lacking access to piped water and over 15 per cent still practising open defecation (JMP Report, 2023).
Even in 21st century, menstrual health and hygiene remain pressing challenges in India, particularly in low-income and underserved areas. A report by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) indicates that only 57 per cent of women aged 15-24 use hygienic menstrual products, with the remaining 43 per cent relying on unsafe, makeshift alternatives.
Additionally, UNICEF estimates that a lack of adequate menstrual hygiene and sanitation infrastructure contributes to higher dropout rates among adolescent girls, with nearly 20 per cent leaving school once they reach puberty.
Project SHAKTISHALINI by the SAMVAW Foundation is dedicated to addressing these challenges by improving access to sanitary resources and essential health education.
Through awareness programmes on menstrual health and safe sanitation, SHAKTISHALINI provides women and girls with the resources and knowledge they need to manage their menstrual health safely, reducing the incidence of preventable illnesses caused by poor hygiene practices.
SHAKTISHALINI’s focus on menstrual health education also works to dispel taboos, fostering open dialogue and understanding within communities. By promoting hygiene and empowering women, this project paves the way for a cleaner, healthier environment and encourages women and girls to lead dignified, confident lives.
ShaktiShalini aims to address these disparities by empowering women and girls to overcome barriers of inequality and discrimination. Your donation helps provide education, skills development, and leadership training, enabling women to achieve financial independence and take on leadership roles. Your generosity directly impacts lives, ensuring a future of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.
By supporting ShaktiShalini, you not only uplift women but also create a ripple effect of empowerment that transforms entire families and communities. Your contribution helps us address these interconnected challenges. With your support, we conduct health camps, distribute essential nutritional supplements, and implement WASH interventions, including access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene awareness programmes. These efforts not only improve nutrition but also reduce waterborne diseases, ensuring healthier, more resilient communities.
Donate today to ShaktiShalini and be a part of this transformative journey. Together, we can break the cycle of inequality, fostering a society where women are equal contributors to progress and prosperity.
Join us in creating a future where every individual has access to the basics of health, nutrition, and WASH.
