In the Indian Sundarbans region, women battle with period poverty due to a scarcity of resources and the existing social stigma and the situation becomes particularly challenging when climate change and climate disasters create limited access to clean water, hygiene facilities, and proper menstrual products for women and girls to manage menstrual hygiene effectively. Climate change has induced considerable harm to womens rights and health yet research on the interconnectedness between period poverty and climate change is lacking. Against this backdrop, this project intended to examine how women and girls’ negative menstrual experiences are exacerbated after experiencing climate change events and their perspectives, attitudes, and practices on menstrual health in order to adapt to the localised effects of climate change. It also tried to address the challenges of accessibility, affordability, and awareness with communities as an integrated initiative to overcome negative health outcomes thereby buttressing climate justice, equity, and sustainability. The project intended to address the critical issues related to menstrual health and management in the context of climate change through a holistic pro-poor human development and gender-transformative approach.

Phase-1 (May 2023-Jan 2024) supported by ARA Micro-grants

The first phase of the project aimed to comprehensively assess the challenges and opportunities related to menstrual and reproductive health management and water quality risks in the Indian Sundarbans region. Employing a participatory action research approach, the study centered community voices and perspectives, particularly those of women and marginalized groups in the high-risk zone of the Sundarbans. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, participatory approaches, and stakeholder engagement were utilized to gather data. This included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and the formation of Participatory Action Research Group (PARG) workshops.

Phase-2 (January- March 2024) supported by SSN/ARA – Budget upliftment grant supported by International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

Phase 2 of the micro-grant project built upon the momentum gained in Phase 1, aimed to deepen our impact and reach in addressing the critical intersection of menstrual health and climate change in the Sundarbans region. With a focus on enhanced stakeholder engagement, advocacy efforts, skill development, and documentary production, Phase 2 sought to amplify our commitment to gender and social inclusion while advancing sustainable solutions for menstrual health management. Through targeted activities and collaborative partnerships, we endeavored to empower women, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes that promote resilience and well-being in the face of environmental challenges.

Project Team: Dr.Jayati Chourey, Ms.Rajashree Laha, Mr.Basudev Banerjee, Ms.Judith Christiana.

Field Assistance: Ms.Srijata Bagchi, Ms.Sikharani Paul Ms.Bonoshree Paramanya, Ms. Mamta Pakhira, Ms.Ashima Mistry, Mr.Pulakesh Paramanya, Ms.Lovely Kamrun Nahar Akhand.