Meghalaya Launches ‘She-Rise’: Northeast’s First Zero Waste Period Mission

Date: June 23, 2025
Location: Laitkroh, Meghalaya

1. Introduction

On June 23, 2025, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the production unit of ‘She-Rise’, a Zero Waste Period Mission under the Green Meghalaya Initiative, at Laitkroh. Spearheaded by the Shubham Charitable Association, this is the first initiative of its kind in the North East focused on manufacturing reusable sanitary pads—a remarkable step towards menstrual hygiene, environmental sustainability, and women’s health.

2. About the She-Rise Mission

• Objective: Produce eco-friendly, reusable sanitary pads to reduce plastic waste and promote menstrual hygiene.
• Operator: Shubham Charitable Association, a local NGO with a proven track record in health and sustainable development.
• Product Brand: Fresh Pad—high-quality fabric pads designed for multiple reuse cycles.

3. Impact on Women’s Health & Sustainability

• Menstrual Hygiene: Reusable pads support safer, hygienic periods, reducing infections and discomfort.
• Environmental Conservation: Traditional disposable pads contribute significantly to landfill waste; reusable alternatives last up to five years, slashing plastic pollution.
• Economic Empowerment: By creating local employment, the mission fosters financial independence among women.

4. Funding & Employment Details

A ₹5 lakh grant from the Chief Minister’s Special Fund was effectively utilized to:

1. Procure essential pad-manufacturing machinery.
2. Establish the production facility at Laitkroh.
3. Employ over 25 local women, providing fair wages and skill development opportunities.

5. Meghalaya-Specific Context

Menstrual Hygiene in Meghalaya: According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 65.3% of women aged 15–49 in Meghalaya use hygienic menstrual methods, highlighting persistent challenges in the state’s menstrual health landscape. The She-Rise initiative directly addresses these gaps by offering affordable, reusable options and spreading awareness across communities.

6. Key Data at a Glance

7. How You Can Support

• Purchase Fresh Pads: Contact the Shubham Charitable Association or visit their local outlets in Laitkroh.
• Spread Awareness: Share information on social media using #SheRiseMeghalaya.
• Volunteer or Donate: Contribute materials, funds, or time to help expand production and outreach.

8. FAQs

9. Takeaways

• Northeast’s first zero waste sanitary pad unit inaugurates in Meghalaya.
• Advances menstrual hygiene, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment.
• ₹5 lakh grant catalyzes local employment for over 25 women.
• Scalable model for zero-waste period management across India.

Internal Links

• Menstrual Hygiene Initiatives in the Northeast
• Women Empowerment Programs in Meghalaya