Case Studies in Convergence Series No. 4:
This case study documents findings from an initiative to meet the menstrual hygiene needs of waste pickers and their family members in Pune City, India during the COVID pandemic, and to introduce environmentally sustainable menstrual hygiene products. The waste pickers of Pune City, 80 percent of whom are women, face a range of personal, health and environmental risks as they manage their own menstrual hygiene and health and the collection of menstrual waste. By engaging waste pickers and the women in their families and learning from their experiences and insights, this case study captures their unique perspective on both consumer and environmental aspects of menstrual hygiene management. The 3D Program for Girls and Women was honored to support this initiative conducted by the waste pickers cooperative, SWaCH, together with its union, the Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP) and its administrative partner, Kashtakari Panchayat (KP). We are grateful to Essity for supporting this important work.