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Author: Neha Anand

Categories
Education

The STEM Gap is Growing. Can CSR Close It?

STEM Education and Revolution of India
STEM Education and Revolution of India

Summary

  • STEM education in India requires more than infrastructure, it needs evidence-based, community-driven interventions.
  • Successful CSR-NGO partnerships in India address local barriers such as teacher capacity, digital access, gender inclusion and experiential learning.
  • Measuring learning outcomes, implementation quality and behavioural change creates more sustainable impact than tracking activities alone.
  • Smile Foundation’s STEM on Wheels demonstrates how continuous monitoring, teacher training and hands-on learning improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Strategic CSR partnerships help build scalable STEM ecosystems aligned with NEP 2020, Skill India Mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ishika, a young and meritorious engineering aspirant, was recently selected by IIT Hyderabad for the ACM Summer School on Symmetric Key Cryptography. Chosen as one of just 40 students from across the country, she spent ten intensive days exploring the future of cybersecurity and cryptographic research through advanced lectures and hands-on sessions led by IIT Hyderabad faculty, ACM India experts and researchers from TCS Research.

Coming from a humble family, she always had the determination to dream big. When she decided to pursue Computer Science Engineering, the financial path ahead was uncertain, but her family’s encouragement and her perseverance helped her move closer to her aspirations.

Girls like Ishika inspire many others. More importantly, they demonstrate how access to quality STEM education in India, can nurture talent from an early age and enable young people to pursue opportunities that once seemed beyond reach.

As India advances towards an era defined by artificial intelligence, space technology, advanced manufacturing and digital innovation, children from rural and marginalised communities must receive the same opportunities to learn, explore and innovate. Their success not only transforms individual lives, but also inspires entire communities to dream bigger.

Therefore, making STEM education in India inclusive is no longer an educational aspiration, but a national imperative and this is where CSR-NGO partnerships for education can play a transformative role- by making quality STEM education accessible, available and affordable for every child.

Inclusive STEM Education in India Matters

India’s technological growth has demonstrated that STEM education in India is fundamental to building a knowledge-driven economy. STEM skills enable young people to address complex development challenges ranging from climate change and food security to healthcare, energy sustainability and digital transformation.

High STEM literacy also strengthens a nation’s ability to develop indigenous technologies, reduce dependence on imports, encourage innovation-led entrepreneurship and attract global investment. Together, these outcomes contribute to economic growth, job creation and long-term national competitiveness. It is therefore easy to see why strengthening this branch of science will be central to shaping the country’s future.

These competencies enable students to analyse, evaluate and apply knowledge to solve real-world challenges, preparing them for meaningful careers in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Today, demand for STEM professionals continues to grow across sectors. Careers in software development, biotechnology, medical research and data science remain highly sought after, while emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain and quantum computing are creating entirely new opportunities.

Thus, to prepare young people for these careers, India must first strengthen the foundations of STEM education in India, from the grassroots.

Challenges Limiting STEM Education in India

Despite growing opportunities, several challenges continue to limit equitable access to quality education. In many parts of the country, particularly rural India, education remains characterised by

  • Limited laboratory and digital infrastructure
  • Shortage of trained STEM educators
  • Exam-centric and rote learning practices
  • Limited exposure to experiential learning
  • Digital divide between urban and rural communities

This limits students’ ability to develop creativity, innovation, collaboration and practical problem-solving skills that STEM education seeks to foster.

Addressing One Challenge at a Time

Every community has a different starting point. While one school may need STEM infrastructure, another may require trained teachers or greater participation from girls. Viewing education in India through a single lens often leads to fragmented interventions that address symptoms rather than root causes.

Partnerships for education must be identified by identifying the most pressing local challenge and designing programmes that respond to that specific need. This targeted approach not only makes interventions more relevant but also enables organisations to measure progress more meaningfully and refine programmes over time.

Strengthen STEM Infrastructure Where It Matters Most

Lack of laboratories, maker spaces and digital learning resources continues to limit experiential learning in many rural schools. Partnerships should begin with a clear understanding of infrastructure gaps and invest where resources will have the greatest impact. Mobile STEM labs can further extend quality learning opportunities to underserved communities that remain beyond the reach of conventional school infrastructure.

Build Teacher Capacity Alongside Infrastructure

Infrastructure alone cannot improve learning outcomes. Teachers are the primary drivers of classroom transformation, making continuous professional development an essential component of any STEM initiative. Equipping educators with experiential teaching methods, practical resources and ongoing academic support ensures that investments continue to benefit students long after the programme has been introduced.

Create Inclusive Pathways to STEM

Equal access does not always translate into equal participation. Girls and children from marginalised communities often face social and economic barriers that discourage them from pursuing STEM education. Scholarships, mentorship, community engagement and inclusive learning environments can help ensure that every child has the confidence and opportunity to participate.

Expand Exposure Beyond the Classroom

For many children, STEM becomes meaningful only when they can connect it with the real world. Exposure to scientists, engineers, universities and innovation platforms broadens aspirations and helps students visualise future career pathways. These experiences complement classroom learning and nurture curiosity, creativity and problem-solving.

Why Smile Foundation’s STEM Model Creates Lasting Impact 

Creating meaningful change in STEM education in India requires more than introducing technology into classrooms. It demands programmes that are rooted in community needs, aligned with national education priorities and continuously refined through evidence and learning.

At Smile Foundation, every STEM intervention begins with understanding the local context before designing solutions. Whether the need is strengthening STEM infrastructure, building teacher capacity, expanding experiential learning or increasing participation among girls, each programme is developed to address specific barriers rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. This ensures that every investment contributes to measurable educational outcomes.

Our partnership with BMW India Foundation through the STEM on Wheels programme reflects this approach. By combining school-based STEM laboratories with mobile STEM learning, teacher capacity building and continuous monitoring, the programme has created engaging learning environments for children from underserved communities. An independent evaluation found improvements in student learning, participation, conceptual understanding and motivation, while also identifying opportunities to further strengthen higher-order skills and programme sustainability. Rather than treating evaluation as a compliance exercise, these insights help refine implementation and guide future programme design.

In India, partnerships for education must focus on creating scalable models that improve learning outcomes, strengthen schools and prepare children for the opportunities of tomorrow. With robust monitoring frameworks, grassroots implementation expertise and continuous learning embedded into programme delivery, Smile Foundation enables organisations to create impact that is measurable, sustainable and aligned with NEP 2020, SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Partner with Smile Foundation

Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, question and innovate. Together, we can transform rural classrooms into future-ready STEM learning ecosystems where potential is nurtured, progress is measured and every partnership creates lasting impact.

Partner with Smile Foundation to build India’s next generation of innovators — one evidence-driven intervention at a time.

Sources

STEM beyond reach? An analysis of access barriers in India’s higher education landscape

FAQs

1. Why is STEM education important in India?

STEM education equips children with innovation, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills required for future careers while strengthening India’s competitiveness in science, technology and innovation.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing STEM education in rural India?

Limited digital infrastructure, inadequate STEM laboratories, teacher shortages, poor internet connectivity, gender disparities and limited exposure to STEM careers remain major barriers.

3. How can CSR improve STEM education in India?

CSR can strengthen STEM education by investing in infrastructure, teacher training, digital learning, experiential education, gender-inclusive programmes and outcome-based implementation models.

4. Why are CSR-NGO partnerships important for STEM education?

NGOs bring grassroots implementation expertise, community engagement and programme monitoring, while corporates contribute resources, technology and innovation. Together, they create scalable and sustainable STEM ecosystems.

5. What makes a STEM CSR programme successful?

Successful programmes begin with local needs assessments, define measurable outcomes, strengthen implementation quality and continuously improve using monitoring and evaluation insights.

6. How does Smile Foundation support STEM education?

Through initiatives such as STEM on Wheels, Smile Foundation combines mobile STEM laboratories, experiential learning, teacher capacity building and continuous impact evaluation to improve STEM learning among underserved children.

7. How does STEM education contribute to India’s development?

STEM education prepares a future-ready workforce, supports technological innovation, improves employability and contributes to India’s long-term economic and social development.

8. Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does STEM education support?

Well-designed STEM programmes contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Categories
CSR Smile

6 Pillars of Menstrual Health Ecosystem

Community health workers

IN THIS ESSAY

  • Menstrual health goes beyond menstrual hygiene—it is a public health priority.
  • Menstrual health in India requires more than products; it requires systems.
  • 77.3% use hygienic menstrual methods, yet access remains unequal across India.
  • Six pillars create the foundation for sustainable menstrual health.
  • Strong CSR–NGO partnerships can transform last-mile women’s healthcare.
  • Frontline workers are the backbone of menstrual health ecosystems.
  • Awareness, WASH and healthcare together drive lasting menstrual health outcomes.
  • Community-led solutions create sustainable impact for women’s health in India

India’s approach to menstrual health has evolved significantly over the past decade. What began as a focus on menstrual hygiene has expanded into a broader agenda encompassing public health, gender equality, education and women’s rights. Today, improving women’s health in India means creating an enabling ecosystem that combines awareness, healthcare, sanitation, dignity and community participation.

A major milestone was the introduction of the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Guidelines under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). 

These guidelines moved the conversation beyond sanitary products to include

  • Safe water
  • Functional toilets
  • Menstrual waste management
  • Privacy 
  • Behaviour changes communication

The National Health Mission’s Menstrual Hygiene Scheme further strengthened this vision by empowering ASHAs to distribute affordable sanitary napkins while promoting menstrual awareness among rural adolescent girls.

In contemporary times, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reports that 77.3% of women aged 15–24 years now use hygienic menstrual methods. 

However, this progress is uneven. 

These numbers reveal an important truth: menstrual health cannot be solved through a single intervention. It requires multiple systems working together.

Experts increasingly recognise six interconnected pillars that collectively create an enabling ecosystem where every woman and girl can manage menstruation safely, confidently and with dignity.

 These pillars also present an opportunity for governments, businesses, civil society and communities to create sustainable impact through collaborative action.

Pillar One: Knowledge and Menstrual Literacy Begins Before

Every confident menstrual journey begins with knowledge.

Yet for millions of girls, menstruation arrives before information does. Fear, embarrassment and misinformation continue to shape first experiences because conversations around periods remain confined within households or avoided altogether.

Early menstrual education helps girls understand their bodies, practise safe hygiene and seek healthcare when needed. WHO also recognises menstrual literacy as a foundational component of menstrual health.

Achieving this pillar requires collaboration beyond schools.

By investing in csr for menstrual health,  a guided menstrual literacy can be generated for long-term behavioural change that extends beyond individual beneficiaries into families and communities.

Pillar Two: Access to Safe Menstrual Products Must Mean Access to Choice

Products are important—but products alone are not enough.

Although over three-quarters of young women now use hygienic menstrual methods nationally, access remains strongly influenced by geography, income and social inequality. Research published in Health Policy and Planning shows that women from poorer households and rural communities continue to experience lower access to hygienic menstrual products.

Women also have different needs. Some prefer disposable sanitary pads, while others may choose reusable cloth pads or menstrual cups depending on affordability, convenience and cultural acceptance.

Collaborative partnerships between corporates, NGOs and local women’s collectives can strengthen sustainable supply chains while generating livelihoods for rural women.

Pillar Three: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Infrastructure Enables Dignity

A sanitary pad cannot compensate for the absence of a clean toilet.

The Swachh Bharat Mission Menstrual Hygiene Management Guidelines emphasise that effective menstrual hygiene requires clean water, private toilets, soap, changing facilities and safe disposal systems.

Without this infrastructure, girls continue missing school, women struggle in workplaces and menstrual waste becomes an environmental challenge.

Infrastructure investments become significantly more effective when combined with community awareness and maintenance systems.

Pillar Four: Responsive Healthcare Makes Menstrual Health a Public Health Priority

Menstruation is more than a hygiene issue—it is a healthcare issue.

Many women continue living with untreated menstrual disorders, severe pain or anaemia because they lack access to healthcare services or do not recognise symptoms that require medical attention.

WHO recommends integrating menstrual health into reproductive healthcare through preventive, promotive and curative services.

Healthcare systems become stronger when menstrual health is recognised as a routine part of women’s health rather than a separate issue.

Pillar Five: Dignity, Inclusion and Social Acceptance Matter as Much as Infrastructure

Even where products and toilets exist, stigma often remains.

Many girls continue facing restrictions at home, in schools and workplaces simply because menstruation is surrounded by silence and myths.

WHO identifies freedom from stigma and discrimination as an essential component of menstrual health.

Pillar Six: Partnerships for Women’s Health Create Lasting Impact

No single organisation can transform menstrual health in India alone.

The greatest opportunity lies in building csr-ngo partnerships for women’s health that combine government systems, corporate CSR, healthcare providers and community institutions.

The National Health Mission’s Menstrual Hygiene Scheme already demonstrates how ASHAs serve as trusted last-mile workers distributing sanitary products and creating awareness. However, greater impact is possible when they are supported by Anganwadi Workers, Self Help Groups, Panchayats, Women’s Collectives and Civil Society Organisations.

Together, all the stakeholders strengthen health education, improve service delivery, promote behavioural change and ensure that interventions reach women beyond schools and urban centres.

For businesses, this systems approach offers an opportunity to move beyond transactional CSR towards long-term community development. Investing in community institutions rather than isolated activities creates measurable outcomes across health, education, gender equality and livelihoods.

Ultimately, the future of menstrual health in India will not be defined by the number of sanitary pads distributed. It will be measured by whether every woman and girl can experience menstruation with knowledge, dignity, safety, good health and equal opportunity. 

Building the Future of Menstrual Health With Smile

India’s journey from menstrual hygiene to comprehensive menstrual health makes one thing clear—lasting change cannot be achieved through isolated interventions. It requires a systematic approach where all six pillars work in tandem, supported by strong, community-led partnerships.

  • When menstrual health improves —> girls stay in school.
  • When access to products expands—> women gain agency. 
  • When WASH infrastructure strengthens—> dignity becomes non-negotiable. 
  • When healthcare systems respond effectively—> menstrual health becomes a public health priority. 
  • When stigma reduces—> entire communities move towards inclusion and equality.

And at the centre of this transformation are frontline workers, community institutions and local ecosystems that ensure solutions reach the last mile. Strengthening these systems is where meaningful, scalable impact lies.

At Smile Foundation, we work at the intersection of health, education and community development—strengthening grassroots systems through partnerships with ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, Self Help Groups, Panchayats and local organisations.

Through its Swabhiman programme, Smile Foundation is strengthening women’s health in India by supporting primary healthcare systems and working alongside Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs to build sustainable menstrual health ecosystems. Moving beyond product distribution, the intervention integrates menstrual health awareness, preventive healthcare, WASH infrastructure and community mobilisation to improve long-term health outcomes for women and adolescent girls.

By partnering with Smile Foundation, CSR partners can co-create scalable, evidence-led interventions that strengthen last-mile healthcare delivery, empower frontline workers and expand equitable access to menstrual health services. Together, we can build resilient communities, advance women’s health and create measurable, sustainable social impact through strategic CSR partnerships.

Sources

FAQs

1. Why is menstrual health important in India?

Improving menstrual health in India enhances education, women’s health, gender equality and community well-being.

2. What are the six pillars of menstrual health?

Menstrual literacy, safe products, WASH, healthcare, dignity and community partnerships form the six pillars of menstrual health.

3. How can CSR improve menstrual health?

CSR–NGO partnerships strengthen awareness, healthcare, WASH infrastructure and last-mile access to menstrual health services.

4. How do CSR–NGO partnerships strengthen women’s health in India?

By supporting community health systems, frontline workers and sustainable menstrual health programmes.

5. How is Smile Foundation improving menstrual health in India?

Through Swabhiman, Smile Foundation integrates awareness, healthcare, WASH and community partnerships to strengthen women’s health in India.

Categories
CSR Girl Child Partnerships Smile

Beyond the Pad: Reimagining Menstrual Health in India

menstrual hygiene in india

As communication professionals, we often spend our days discussing impact through reports, presentations, programme frameworks and outcome indicators. We understand the vision of our partners, the objectives of our interventions and the theories that shape programme design.

But every now and then, it becomes necessary to step away from the comfort of data and enter the communities where those numbers find their meaning.

A recent visit to Sarhol, Gurugram, offered me that opportunity.

My purpose was to spend a day with the community mobilisers working with Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman programme and understand their role within the Pink Smile intervention, supported through CSR partnerships focused on improving menstrual hygiene in India.

I coordinated with Arsalan, the Community Health Officer at the Swabhiman Centre in Sarhol. By the time I arrived, the team had already begun preparing for the day ahead. The centre itself is modest, a small office tucked away on the first floor of a freshly painted building.

 Inside, however, exists something far more significant than its size suggests.

Menstrual health in India

This is where community mobilisers Sonia, Farha, Savita, Manju and Dhanesh gather each morning alongside Nurse Sharmila and the whole team. Before stepping into the field, they discuss the day’s visits, review health concerns raised by women and adolescent girls, and prepare for outreach activities across the community.

A shared cup of tea, a briefing session, a list of households to visit and then the day begins.

Soon, they disperse into the narrow lanes of Sarhol, carrying with them information, reassurance, guidance and often something far more powerful than any material resource: trust.

As I followed them through the community, one realisation became increasingly clear.

A Snaphot of Sarhol community

That after hearing the conversations around menstrual hygiene in India which unfolded in those narrow lanes of Sarhol, during the day, I knew it was impossible to write only about community mobilisers; those discussions revealed a much larger story of health, dignity and access.

The discussion around menstrual hygiene in India is wide and through this series “Beyond the Pad: Reimagining Menstrual Health in India”, we shall attempt to unravel its layers.

Writer’s reflection:  

I am a 30+ year old working woman, living in Gurugram. I am someone who is aware of her right to safe menstrual hygiene practices and has the privilege of accessing menstrual hygiene products with a simple click, sometimes within minutes.

Yet that day in Sarhol, a bustling urban slum community which is just 20 minutes from my home, I found myself confronting a very different reality.

Behind every discussion on menstrual health were multiple layers of beliefs, practices, restrictions and social norms that continue to shape the experiences of women and girls across India.

Over the years, significant efforts have rightly focused on improving access to menstrual hygiene products. This work must continue until every woman and girl in India can manage menstruation safely and hygienically. However, as we move forward in 2026, it is equally important to recognise that access alone cannot solve the challenges surrounding menstrual health.

Many of the barriers faced by the girl child in India today are rooted in:

  • stigma, 
  • misinformation, 
  • inadequate health education,
  • poor sanitation infrastructure,
  • restrictive social norms
  • limited access to supportive healthcare systems. 

These challenges continue to hinder the creation of a safe and enabling menstrual ecosystem for the girls of today and for the generations that will follow.

To truly understand menstrual health in India, we must acknowledge that 

“A sanitary pad is only one piece of a much larger puzzle” 

This realisation inspired the creation of this blog series – an exploration of the challenges, gaps, and solutions that can help strengthen menstrual health outcomes and advance menstrual dignity across India.

Because by now, the conversation must evolve.

  • Every girl should have access to menstrual hygiene products. 
  • Every girl should know how to use them safely and confidently. 

But most importantly, every girl should grow up in an environment where she does not fear, question, or feel ashamed of her body because of a natural biological process.

Through this series, we will explore:

• India’s Menstrual Health: From Access to Dignity

• The Six Dimensions of a Strong Menstrual Health Ecosystem

• Community Mobilisers: The Missing Link in Last-Mile Healthcare Delivery

• Taboos of India Around Menstrual Hygiene

Together, these conversations seek to answer an important question:

How do we move beyond menstrual access and build a future where every girl in India experiences menstruation with knowledge, confidence, safety and dignity?

And so, we begin with the first chapter of the series “Beyond the Pad: Reimagining Menstrual Health in India”

Menstrual Health in India: From Access to Dignity

In this essay: 

  • Menstrual hygiene in India has progressed significantly, driven by government initiatives, NGOs, schools and CSR-supported programmes.
  • Access is only the beginning. Many adolescent girls still lack the knowledge, confidence and support needed to manage menstruation with dignity.
  • Girl child in India continue to face barriers such as stigma, misinformation, inadequate sanitation and limited healthcare access.
  • Urban-rural gaps persist, with many rural girls facing challenges related to affordability, availability, awareness and safe menstrual hygiene management.
  • Menstrual dignity requires an ecosystem approach, where education, healthcare, sanitation, community engagement and CSR partnerships work together to create lasting change.
Last year at the age of 13, Pranjal got her first period in school.

One moment she was sitting in class, and the next, she noticed a stain on her uniform. Confused and frightened, she thought something was wrong with her body. Her teacher quietly handed her a sanitary napkin and asked her to use it. The immediate problem was solved, but the questions remained unanswered.

Nobody explained why she was bleeding. Nobody told her what menstruation meant, how her body was changing or how often the sanitary napkin needed to be changed.

Later that evening, her elder sister showed her how to wear the pad.

Inherited restrictions and unspoken rules

For Pranjal, menstruation arrived with access to a sanitary product, but not the dignity of understanding her own body. Her first lesson about womanhood was not about health. It was about restrictions. And for millions of girls across India, that remains the reality even today.

Menstrual Hygiene in India: Progress Worth Celebrating

India’s menstrual health journey – access to menstrual hygiene products, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade.Furthermore, National surveys NHFS 5 and NHFS -6 indicate significant improvements in the adoption of hygienic menstrual practices among adolescent girls.

2 young girls in Sarhol community, who are yet to get their periods. We must prepare menstrual ecosystems that caters to these growing girls on India

These figures reflect the collective efforts of government programmes, public health campaigns, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and CSR-supported interventions Menstruation, once confined almost entirely to private conversations, has gradually entered mainstream discussions around:

  • Public health
  • Education
  • Gender equality
  • Adolescent wellbeing
  • Water, sanitation and hygiene

And this progress certainly matters. Why?

Because-

  • Every girl who receives accurate information before periods is better prepared.
  • Every school that provides safe sanitation facilities supports attendance.
  • Every household that replaces silence with conversation contributes to dignity.

But now the question is no more about accessibility, the question is 

Can she manage menstruation safely, confidently, comfortably and with dignity?

Menstrual Health Challenge

The girl mentioned earlier, Pranjal, comes from a small town near Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh. During our conversation, an elderly relative accompanying her explained that Pranjal had travelled to Sarhol to support her elder sister through pregnancy and childbirth. Her sister is married and lives there with her husband.

What struck me most was not only Pranjal’s circumstance, but the way she described her first experience of menstruation. Her experience reflects a larger challenge that continues to persist across many parts of rural India. 

While progress has been made in improving menstrual hygiene awareness, gaps remain in the educational and social support systems that should prepare girls for menstruation before it begins. Far too many adolescent girls still enter this important stage of life with limited information, inadequate guidance and few opportunities to ask questions without fear or embarrassment.

Pranjal’s story also highlights the stark contrast in menstrual product accessibility across India. As I write this, I do so with the assurance that if I were to get my period today, I could order sanitary pads or a range of menstrual hygiene products and have them delivered within minutes.

For many girls, however, particularly those living in underserved communities, menstrual hygiene products are not always available, affordable or easily accessible. 

The difference between these two realities reminds us that while India has made considerable progress in menstrual health, access remains deeply unequal, shaped by geography, awareness, income and social circumstances.

But then there are girls as age of 13, who when get their periods are lost about the multiple solutions that can keep them safe and healthy during menstruation 

Menstrual Access: Urban–Rural Usage Gap 

In urban areas, greater availability of menstrual products, higher levels of awareness, better sanitation infrastructure and increased exposure to health information have contributed to higher adoption of hygienic menstrual practices. In contrast, many rural girls continue to face barriers such as limited product availability, affordability concerns, inadequate disposal facilities and persistent social taboos surrounding menstruation.

The gap is not merely one of access but also of awareness. Many adolescent girls receive little or no menstrual education before their first period, relying on family members for information that may be influenced by myths and misconceptions. Consequently, some continue to use unhygienic materials such as old cloth, ash or rags, increasing their vulnerability to infections and absenteeism from school.

Bridging this urban–rural usage gap requires a comprehensive approach that combines affordable product access with menstrual literacy, community engagement, improved sanitation infrastructure and behaviour change communication to ensure that every girl can manage menstruation safely, confidently and with dignity.

The Swabhiman Approach

[dflip id=”17210″][/dflip]

We began this series with Pranjal’s story and a simple yet important question:

Is providing a sanitary pad enough?

The answer, quite clearly, is no.

While access to menstrual hygiene products remains a critical first step, building an inclusive menstrual hygiene ecosystem requires much more. 

It calls for the collective efforts of governments, schools, healthcare systems, communities, families, civil society organisations and corporate partners working together to ensure that every girl can manage menstruation safely, confidently and with dignity.

Through this series, we will journey into communities, listen to the experiences of adolescent girls, women, community mobilisers, health workers, parents and local stakeholders, and explore the realities that shape menstrual health across India.

Their stories reveal an important truth: menstruation is an ecosystem issue.

  • A girl may receive a sanitary napkin but still not understand her body.
  • She may know how to use a pad but still miss school because there is no functional toilet.
  • She may have access to healthcare services but hesitate to seek support because menstruation remains shrouded in silence.
  • She may possess information but continue to live within restrictive social norms that associate menstruation with impurity, shame or exclusion.

This is why menstrual wellbeing cannot be addressed through a single intervention.

Menstrual health begins with access, but menstrual dignity begins with acceptance, understanding, agency and support.  For India to become a truly menstrual-friendly nation, every girl must not only have access to menstrual products but also:

  • Accurate and age-appropriate menstrual education.
  • Safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
  • Access to healthcare and reproductive health services.
  • Supportive schools and communities.
  • Families that replace silence with conversation.
  • Social environments that normalise menstruation rather than stigmatise it.

Most importantly, she must never be made to feel ashamed of a biological process that sustains human life itself.

Build Menstrual Ecosystems, Not Just Menstrual Interventions

Menstrual health outcomes improve when awareness, healthcare, infrastructure, nutrition, and community engagement work together. Through strategic CSR partnerships, organisations can help create sustainable menstrual health ecosystems that empower adolescent girls and women with knowledge, confidence, healthcare access and dignity.

Partner to strengthen community-led menstrual health programmes that go beyond product distribution and create lasting change for generations of girls across India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is menstrual hygiene important for the girl child in India?

Menstrual hygiene is essential for the health, education, confidence and overall wellbeing of adolescent girls. Proper menstrual hygiene management helps girls stay in school, prevent infections and participate fully in daily life.

2. What are the biggest menstrual health challenges facing girls in India?

Key challenges include lack of menstrual education, social stigma, inadequate sanitation facilities, limited access to menstrual products and insufficient healthcare support.

3. Is access to sanitary pads enough to improve menstrual health outcomes?

No. While access to menstrual products is critical, girls also need accurate information, supportive environments, healthcare services and safe sanitation infrastructure to manage menstruation with dignity.

4. How does menstrual hygiene affect education for girls?

Poor menstrual hygiene management can lead to absenteeism, reduced classroom participation and even school dropouts among adolescent girls, particularly in underserved communities.

5. What is the urban-rural gap in menstrual hygiene in India?

Urban girls generally have better access to menstrual products, healthcare information, and sanitation facilities, while many rural girls continue to face affordability, awareness and infrastructure challenges.

6. How can CSR contribute to menstrual hygiene for the girl child in India?

CSR initiatives can support menstrual health programmes through awareness campaigns, menstrual product distribution, school sanitation facilities, community outreach, healthcare services and behaviour change interventions.

7. Why are community mobilisers important for menstrual health programmes?

Community mobilisers act as trusted links between healthcare systems and communities. They provide information, address myths and misconceptions, encourage healthcare-seeking behaviour and support girls and women in managing menstrual health.

8. What does a strong menstrual health ecosystem look like?

A strong menstrual health ecosystem includes menstrual education, affordable product access, safe water and sanitation facilities, healthcare services, community support, gender-sensitive policies and sustained CSR investments that promote menstrual dignity.

Sources

Categories
CSR Partners In Change Partnerships Smile Women Empowerment

Addressing Mental Health Challenges: A Shared Responsibility

mental health challenges

Is mental health a universal concern, or has it, too, been divided along socio-economic lines? While mental health is frequently discussed in urban circles, rural communities in India remain largely excluded from these conversations. This is especially concerning given the rising prevalence of mental health challenges among women in rural and economically disadvantaged urban areas.

A staggering 45 million women in India continue to live in poverty. If we consider how many of them struggle with untreated mental health conditions—due to lack of awareness, affordability, and access to care—the urgency of intervention becomes undeniable. In this scenario, corporate-NGO partnerships have the potential to play a transformative role in complementing government efforts to improve women’s mental well-being.

Mental Health: A Critical Concern for Rural Women

Rural women remain particularly vulnerable due to limited awareness, financial instability, restrictive social roles, and domestic violence. The situation is further compounded by deep-rooted social stigmas, where symptoms of mental illness are often misinterpreted—sometimes even leading to women being ostracized or accused of being “witches” due to their unusual behavior.

For many rural women, mental health care is an unfamiliar concept, yet they are expected to continue with their daily responsibilities while battling anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.

A study by Gawai and Tendulkar in rural Maharashtra revealed that many married women lack awareness of mental health and remain unaware of the services available to them. This highlights an urgent need to integrate mental health support within rural healthcare systems.

Strengthening Mental Healthcare Services in Rural India

The Indian government has taken a proactive approach by expanding mental health services through the  District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). Currently implemented in 767 districts, this initiative focuses on:

  • Suicide prevention services
  • Workplace stress management
  • Life skills training in schools and colleges
  • Accessible counselling and medication
  • Emergency care at district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres
  • 10-bed inpatient facilities at the district level

While these initiatives offer a strong foundation, a collaborative approach is needed to ensure mental health services are adapted to rural India’s unique socio-cultural landscape. Corporate partnerships with NGOs can help bridge these gaps by promoting community-led solutions that integrate mental well-being into women’s daily lives.

Building a Holistic Mental Health Ecosystem for Rural Women

1. Shifting Perceptions

Mental health support must extend beyond treating disorders—it should focus on building emotional resilience. Awareness campaigns should equip rural women with the tools to recognize stressors, seek help early, and embrace a more balanced, self-sufficient life.

2. Community-Based Medical Interventions

Given the diverse languages, traditions, and customs across India, trained medical staff who understand the cultural complexities of rural communities are essential. Investing in local mental health professionals, community counsellors, and peer-led support groups can make interventions more accessible and impactful.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure

This year, India’s Union Budget has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women through education, financial inclusion, and healthcare support. However, achieving long-term impact requires a multi-stakeholder approach. CSR initiatives can play a pivotal role in supporting and expanding mental health interventions by focusing on:

  • Reducing stigma through awareness campaigns
  • Enhancing medical interventions to prevent associated health complications
  • Training community-based mental health professionals
  • Developing infrastructure for long-term support and recovery

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the need to engage informal networks in accelerating mental health outreach. Corporate-NGO collaborations, such as those led by Smile Foundation, can be instrumental in scaling community-based mental health programmes for rural women.

Our flagship women empowerment initiative, Swabhiman, is dedicated to improving healthcare access, financial independence, and childcare for women across India. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, Swabhiman prioritizes antenatal and postnatal care, ensuring equitable access to essential services in collaboration with Anganwadis and grassroots organizations.

A key focus is the training of healthcare professionals, enhancing maternal health outcomes and driving policy advocacy for women’s well-being. Additionally, Swabhiman promotes financial independence through entrepreneurship training, equipping women with the skills to build sustainable livelihoods. Through community-based healthcare centres, we raise awareness, reduce maternal mortality, and support long-term empowerment.

Recognizing the deep connection between mental health and overall well-being, Swabhiman also works towards addressing mental health challenges faced by rural women. By identifying early triggers and providing the right support, we aim to ensure that women receive the care they need before concerns escalate, fostering a healthier, more resilient future. Partner with us to help rural women of India live a holistically healthy – life and environment.

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Smile

SIFFCY’s Cannes Film Festival Showcase- Captivating Cinema for Kids

No matter how old you are today, the movies you adored in your childhood continue to hold a special place in your heart. They pop up in conversations and remain constant favorites on your watch list. This is the magnetic power of good cinema; it ensnares you, weaving itself into the fabric of your memories. Today as the world gathers in France for the Cannes Film Festival, the spotlight shines on the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) by Smile Foundation.

Our festival director, Jitendra Mishra, is our ambassador at Cannes, who is zestfully advocating for children’s content in the ever-changing digital landscape and fostering meaningful connections between children and the world of cinema.

SIFFCY- A Pandora’s Box of Cinema for Children

Representing good cinema for children and youth, SIFFCY (Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth) stands as a flagship endeavor by Smile Foundation, an Indian social organization working with children and their families. Launched in 2015, its primary aim is to engage, encourage, educate, and empower young individuals through the medium of meaningful cinema.

The festival achieves this through screening of value-based films, interactive sessions, capacity-building activities, and related workshops. It has set a high standard in its category and gained recognition as a highly esteemed international film festival dedicated to young audiences. 

Held in New Delhi, the weeklong event attracts children and youth across the nation along with numerous national and international industry professionals, jurors, and filmmakers. Following its Delhi edition, the festival travels to various parts of the country, extending its reach to audiences residing in remote locations, small towns, and villages across India.

Lights, Camera, Development: Children’s Cinema Matters 

There is no doubt that movies are a source of inspiration and motivation. It intrigues the mind to think beyond the “what ifs”s, it allows us to feel emotions vividly. The intrinsic relationship between movies and humans is always special, which is why it gets even more important to discuss the role of cinema in a child’s journey of development from an early age. 

In light of the increasing availability of various entertainment platforms such as OTT, many people ponder whether it’s advisable to entirely restrict children from accessing them. This dilemma arises from the challenge of effectively filtering content, which can be complex and may lead to overlap. However, there’s a pertinent question to consider: Is isolating children from the realm of cinema truly a sustainable and efficacious solution?

Many parents feel that to ensure the healthy growth of their children, it is wise to keep their children away from movies. However, experts believe that by doing this, parents hamper the normal development of their children, while taking away the learning opportunities a movie can offer to their children. 

What do children learn from movies? 

Like a coin, movies too have two sides- One, children can learn good habits from the movies and be positively impacted whereas, on the other side, children can pick up negative habits like using tobacco, engaging in violent stunts and using foul language. Therefore, it is important to introduce children to movies that showcase and celebrate the goodness of human life. 

Classic children’s movies like “The Lion King,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Harry Potter” not only entertain but also educate about friendship, bravery, and the importance of acceptance. These timeless tales serve as moral compasses, guiding children through complex emotions and ethical dilemmas. A poignant scene depicting empathy or resilience can inspire a child to act with compassion and courage in their own lives, for instance, the selfless acts of characters like Matilda, I am Kalam or Forrest Gump can instill values of empathy and determination in young viewers.

Furthermore, animated classics such as “Toy Story” and “Frozen” transport children to fantastical worlds where anything is possible, nurturing their creativity and problem-solving skills. While, films like “Coco” and “Moana” celebrate cultural heritage and identity, promoting cultural diversity and also teach children to respect and embrace inclusivity.

Smile International Film Festival Celebrates Global Children Cinema

At Cannes Film Festival 2024, Smile Foundation holds a significant presence as we champion children’s cinema through SIFFCY, while celebrating the profound influence of children’s films on shaping young perspectives. 

Over the past decade, the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) has brought the best of global and indigenous children cinema to India. Every year over 500,000 children attend SIFFCY- both online and offline mode, where they enjoy screening of interesting children’s movies and participate in discussions with filmmakers to understand the versatile world of storytelling.

This year, SIFFCY’24, in collaboration with the European Union, screened at 100 locations nationwide. Celebrating the beautiful artistic relationship between India and Europe, this festival promoted the spirit of empowering young minds through good cinema and film-related workshops. The discussions and experiences of the panelists gave children an opportunity to learn about different cultures, lives and experiences through films, while also developing the creative pursuit of cinematic art.

Our presence at the Cannes Film Festival and SIFFCY’s essence is to remind everyone that movies are powerful tools for child development, offering a window into the world and shaping values, attitudes, and behaviors. By engaging with diverse cinematic experiences, children not only learn about themselves and others but also contribute towards shaping a society and making it more compassionate and inclusive.

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Smile Insights

World Book Day 2024: Nurturing Mind & Enriching Souls 

World Book Day 2024: Nurturing Mind & Enriching Souls 
World Book Day 2024: Nurturing Mind & Enriching Souls 

World Book Day is not only a celebration of literature, the stories that fill us up and give us courage – it is also a testament to the profound impact books have on our lives, particularly on children’s development. This year this event becomes even more special, as it celebrates the spirit of “Read Your Way”, where it encourages children to read their choice of books and thoroughly enjoy that experience. World Book Day 2024 is all about the importance of inculcating reading habits in children, while giving them the freedom to pick a book of their preference so that they can develop the understanding of making decisions that help them to grow as humans.

The Adventures of Reading- Earlier, the Better

It has been observed that the impact of reading during pregnancy can have a profound effect on the development of the child. Mothers-to-be are often advised to read to their babies in the womb to establish a connection, and to introduce them to the cadence and rhythm of language. 

Research suggests that babies can recognize sounds from the outside world while still in utero, laying the groundwork for language acquisition. Hence, expectant parents reading aloud can potentially stimulate fetal development and foster a love for reading from the earliest stages of life.

The World of Books paves way for Child development milestones

To enhance a child’s cognitive development, building their relationship with books is pivotal. Their cognitive, emotional and social development are intrinsic to the books they read. Picture books with vibrant illustrations captivate their imagination, while stories introduce them to new worlds, characters, and concepts. 

Whereas, the act of reading together fosters bonding between parents and children, nurturing a sense of security and trust, thus, answering one of the most concerning questions of parents, i.e. are there specific techniques to foster creativity in children?

Another important question that many parents ponder about proper child development is how can parents encourage positive social skills development in their kids?

Experts believe that through books children can develop language skills and social skills. Regular exposure to a diverse range of vocabulary enhances children’s communication skills, enriching their ability to express thoughts and emotions. Additionally, the repetition of words and phrases in children’s books aids in memory retention and language acquisition.

Furthermore, reading versatile books helps in cultivating empathy and emotional intelligence. Through stories, children encounter characters facing various challenges, allowing them to understand different perspectives and navigate complex emotions. This emotional literacy is crucial for developing healthy relationships and resilience in the face of adversity.

Spreading Smiles on World Book Day 2024- Smile Foundation’s style 

Smile Foundation firmly believes that books are the best way to discover new worlds, especially for children whose young minds need to be nourished with quality information that shapes their personality and develops their skills. 

To ensure that every child embraces the world of books, we are always working on initiatives that connect children with books. One such example is at the Tapukara Girls School in Rajasthan, where along with our supporter, we have been able to establish a fully functional library that allows students to build a deep and thriving relationship with books. 

From interesting story books by Pratham to educational books including competitive books, Smile Foundation ensured that the students access a library that supports them in their educational journey, while nourishing their creative and communication skills.

With a focus on providing relatable education to students, our focus also relies on giving students a sustainable education. By introducing them to informative and interesting books, we intend to equip them with the transformative power of literature that helps them shape their young minds and nurture a lifelong love for reading. 

Smile’s idea of celebrating International World Book Day 2024

At Smile Foundation, we are all set to celebrate World Book Day 2024 with zest as it is an opportunity to celebrate the joy of storytelling, the magic of imagination, and the limitless possibilities; it is the door of adventure that every child must experience to learn and inculcate important life values, that shall shape their entire lives.

As we commemorate this day, let’s pledge to make books accessible to every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Let’s encourage parents, caregivers, and educators to prioritize reading as a fundamental aspect of childhood development. By investing in literacy initiatives and promoting diverse literature, we can empower children to become critical thinkers, compassionate individuals, and active participants in a global society.

In conclusion, World Book Day is more than just a day to celebrate books; it’s a celebration of knowledge, imagination, and the boundless potential of every child. Let’s continue to champion the importance of books in children’s lives, recognizing their role in shaping not only individual development but also fostering cultural understanding and empathy in future generations.

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