In rural India, a girl’s education should open doors but for far too many, a monthly biological process closes them instead. At Pennies 4 Pads, we believe that having a period should never force a girl to stay home. That’s why we work relentlessly to provide free sanitary napkins to girls who otherwise might miss school every month.

The Hidden Crisis: Period Poverty & School Absence

Menstruation is a natural, healthy part of growing up, but in many rural communities, girls face severe barriers to managing it with dignity. Studies report that a large number of rural adolescent girls lack both access to sanitary products and access to clean, safe school toilets or disposal facilities.

As a result, many girls skip school during their menstrual cycles, sometimes for several days a month. Over time, this leads to academic gaps, reduced confidence, and eventually may contribute to school dropouts.

It’s not just about inconvenience – poor menstrual hygiene practices, or having to stay home, can carry physical, emotional and societal costs far greater than visible.

Clean Pads – Education Without Interruption

Providing access to proper sanitary pads is more than a matter of hygiene. It is a matter of dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.

At Pennies 4 Pads, we deliver monthly sanitary pads directly into classrooms, ensuring that girls receive them discreetly and regularly. This removes the barrier of cost, privacy or stigma and gives them a real chance to attend school even during their periods.

Studies show that when girls have access to good menstrual hygiene management (MHM), including hygienic pads, WASH facilities (water, sanitation, hygiene), and proper disposal options, school absenteeism during menstruation drops significantly. By ensuring that periods don’t become a barrier to attendance, we help keep girls in the classroom and on track for their dreams.

Why the Problem Persists- And Why It’s Critical to Act

• Affordability & access: Many rural families simply cannot afford commercially sold pads. Cloth, rags or makeshift solutions may be the only option, often unhygienic.
• Lack of sanitation infrastructure: Even when pads are available, schools often lack clean toilets, running water, private spaces, disposal facilities, making it uncomfortable or impossible for girls to manage menstruation at school.
• Stigma and silence: Menstruation continues to be a taboo subject in many communities. Without open awareness and education, many girls are hesitant to even ask for help or support.

The consequences are heavy: interrupted education, compromised health, lost confidence, and often, early school dropout.

How Pennies 4 Pads is Making a Difference

• Regular pad distribution – Pennies 4 Pads provides free sanitary pads every month to girls in rural schools (including special-needs schools) where access is minimal or non-existent.
• Dignity and convenience – Pads are distributed directly in classrooms, ensuring privacy and dignity for the girls. This helps normalize menstrual hygiene as part of everyday school life.
• Breaking the vicious cycle – With reliable access to pads, many girls stop skipping school altogether during their periods, contributing to better academic performance, self-confidence, and long-term opportunities.

A Call to Action: Education, Empathy, Equality

Menstrual hygiene is a basic need and an essential part of ensuring that girls in rural India can access the education they deserve.

If you believe in equal opportunity, dignity, and education for all, you can support this cause. Your small contribution can help a girl stay in school instead of missing days every month.

At Pennies 4 Pads, we’re not just distributing napkins, we are giving girls the power to stay in class, to learn, and build their future.