In Merung, one of the most remote unions in Khagrachari, part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, menstrual health was long a silent struggle. Limited awareness and the high cost of sanitary pads often kept girls out of school and left women enduring discomfort. The situation is now changing through UNDP Bangladesh’s Women and Girls Empowerment through Inclusive Education (WGEIE) initiative under the Economic Recovery and Resilience in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (ERRD-CHT) project, supported by the Government of Canada, with local champions like Julli Chakma leading the effort.
Julli Chakma, a 37-year-old Reproductive Health Care Worker, is part of a network of 118 trained women connected to 270 project-supported educational institutions across the three hill districts. Their mission is to break taboos, spread menstrual health knowledge, and make safe, biodegradable sanitary pads called “Swasti” accessible to all girls and women. These pads, locally produced with support from the ERRD-CHT Project and approved by BSTI, are affordable and environmentally friendly.
With training in menstrual hygiene management, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, Julli conducts regular sessions in schools and villages. She teaches proper usage and timely replacement of pads, promotes dignity in menstrual health, and distributes Swasti pads at subsidized prices. Her efforts have led to a transformation in attitudes, with more girls staying in school, women speaking openly about menstrual health, and communities embracing healthier practices.
The initiative is particularly crucial in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where geographic and cultural barriers often isolate women from essential health services. Community-based workers like Julli serve as a bridge, bringing care, confidence, and conversation to places where silence once prevailed. Julli observes that girls and women are now more confident and informed, reflecting both community change and her personal growth.
Despite challenges such as market acceptance and transport costs, the program continues to expand, aiming to reach even more remote areas. By addressing menstrual health, the initiative not only improves hygiene but also fosters inclusive education, women’s empowerment, and gender equality across the region.
