Dear Supporters,
I am overwhelmed with emotions as I write this update, almost two years after we declared a significant victory in our fight for menstrual health and dignity during disasters. I remember how your voices echoed with mine as we urged the government of Assam to recognize sanitary pads as a basic flood relief item, and how emotional we felt when they finally listened.
Since then, I have been keeping a close eye on the work of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), knowing that my accountability to you doesn't stop at winning a petition. And I am thrilled to share that the change we made continues to thrive and improve.
1. The government of Assam issued another notification on 8th February, 2023, mandating that any female entering a flood shelter receives two packs of sanitary pads. This specification of quantity is really important to ensure proper distribution and budget allocation.
2. The ASDMA has been working on menstrual health during floods, recognizing that access to safe and dignified menstruation is a fundamental need for women and adolescent girls. ASDMA launched a crowdfunding campaign to install sanitary pad vending machines in schools used as relief camps, and organized a cycle awareness rally on menstrual health. See this video where yours truly has also spoken https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjk4d-HjUBc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
3. Hindustan Colas Pvt. Ltd. Donated an amount of Rs. 25.00 lakhs to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Assam in favour of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) for installing Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine and Disposal Machine in the schools which are used as Relief camps during flood season in the State under CSR activity.
These updates fill my heart with joy and hope, and I am sure they will do the same for you. It's incredible to see a government agency so committed to a cause that you helped highlight, and it's a testament to the power of our collective voice.
I promise to keep you updated on our progress and invite you to follow our Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/dignityindisasters/) for regular updates. Together, we can continue to bring meaningful changes in the way disaster management works in our country.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
With gratitude,
Mayuri, Campaigner, Dignity in Floods