SDG Awards 2024

Finalist Profile

Welcome to the SDG Awards, a distinguished recognition program honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals, organizations, and initiatives in championing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finalist Profile

Myna Mahila Foundation

About Company

SDG Awards 2024

Category - SDG 5 - Gender Equality

Employment: Employs local women to manufacture and sell sanitary pads door-to-door in Mumbai’s slums, providing them with financial independence.

➜ Employment: Employs local women to manufacture and sell sanitary pads door-to-door in Mumbai’s slums, providing them with financial independence.

➜ Menstrual Hygiene: Manufactured and distributed over 1.2 million sanitary pads, reaching more than 550,000 women.

➜ Health Education: Offering health-related videos, period tracking, and one-on-one consultations.

1. What is the local impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

The Myna Mahila Foundation has significantly impacted local communities by advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). By providing affordable menstrual products and health education, the foundation has empowered over 870,000 women in the urban slums of Mumbai. The foundation has improved menstrual hygiene management, reduced school dropout rates among girls, and created jobs for women, promoting economic independence. Through advocacy and education, Myna Mahila has broken taboos around menstruation, fostering a supportive environment for women's health and empowerment. This holistic approach addresses gender inequality, enhances health outcomes, and strengthens community resilience, contributing to broader sustainable development goals.

2. What is the global impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

Globally, the Myna Mahila Foundation has become a beacon for menstrual health advocacy and women's empowerment, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The foundation's work has garnered international attention, influencing policy discussions at forums like the United Nations and inspiring similar initiatives in other countries. Myna Mahila's partnerships with global organizations have expanded its reach, providing menstrual health education and products to women in underserved communities worldwide. Through its advocacy efforts, the foundation has contributed to a global shift in attitudes toward menstruation, challenging stigma and promoting gender equality. By sharing best practices and scaling its model, Myna Mahila has helped drive progress on menstrual health and gender equality on a global scale, influencing policy, research, and grassroots initiatives across continents.

3. What is the scalability of your innovation and how do you plan to achieve it? (No Word Limit)

The Myna Mahila Foundation's model is highly scalable, combining local production of menstrual products with grassroots health education and advocacy. To achieve scalability, the foundation plans to expand operations to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, leveraging its successful model in India. Partnerships with local NGOs, governments, and global organizations will facilitate knowledge transfer and resource sharing. Technology will be used to streamline operations, including digital education platforms and mobile health services, ensuring wider reach. By training local women as community leaders, Myna Mahila will create self-sustaining networks that can independently manage operations, ensuring long-term impact across diverse regions.

4. What is your organization’s unique strategy for using technology to achieve your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Myna Mahila Foundation leverages technology to enhance menstrual health education and access. The organization uses mobile health platforms to deliver digital educational content, enabling remote access to crucial information on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health. Additionally, we utilize data analytics to track impact and optimize distribution networks for menstrual products. By integrating e-commerce, the foundation ensures that women in remote areas can purchase affordable products online. This tech-driven approach amplifies their reach and impact, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 5.

5. What challenges did you encounter while working for your selected SDG, and how did you address them? (150 Words Limit)

The Myna Mahila Foundation faced challenges such as cultural taboos around menstruation, limited access to underserved communities, and funding constraints. To address these, the foundation prioritized community engagement, employing local women as health educators to build trust. We conducted awareness campaigns to challenge stigmas and used partnerships with local organizations to reach more women. Innovative fundraising strategies, including international grants and corporate partnerships, secured the necessary resources to sustain and scale their efforts.

6. How did you engage local communities and stakeholders in your work, and what was their feedback? (150 Words Limit)

The Myna Mahila Foundation engaged local communities by training women from slums as health educators and ambassadors. This approach built trust and facilitated open dialogue about menstrual health. Stakeholder engagement included collaborations with local NGOs, schools, and health workers to integrate menstrual health education into existing programs. Feedback has been positive, with communities appreciating the empowerment and education provided. Local stakeholders have reported increased awareness and acceptance of menstrual health issues, leading to improved health outcomes and greater community support for the foundation’s initiatives.

7. Which organizational skills and resources did you use to deliver goods/services without harming the environment or society? (150 Words Limit)

Myna Mahila Foundation employs eco-friendly practices and sustainable resources to minimize environmental impact. We use biodegradable and recyclable materials for menstrual products and ensure local production to reduce carbon footprint. The organization emphasizes ethical sourcing and fair labor practices, supporting women's economic empowerment. Training and capacity-building efforts are designed to be inclusive, ensuring social benefits for communities. By integrating sustainability into their operations and fostering a culture of environmental and social responsibility, the foundation effectively delivers services while aligning with both environmental and societal goals.

8. In your view what roles do businesses, governments, and civil society should play in achieving the SDGs, and how can they collaborate effectively? (150 Words Limit)

Businesses, governments, and civil society each have crucial roles in achieving the SDGs. Businesses should innovate and adopt sustainable practices, while governments create supportive policies and allocate resources. Civil society organizations drive grassroots efforts and advocate for change. Effective collaboration involves forming multi-stakeholder partnerships, sharing resources and expertise, and aligning efforts with SDG targets. Businesses can support with funding and technology, governments with policy and regulation, and civil society with community engagement and monitoring. Together, we can create comprehensive strategies, scale successful models, and ensure that progress is inclusive and impactful.

9. What advice do you have for individuals or organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs? (150 Words Limit)

To create positive change and support the SDGs, start by identifying a clear, impactful focus area aligned with your strengths and resources. Engage deeply with affected communities to understand their needs and ensure inclusivity. Build strong partnerships with other organizations, businesses, and governments to leverage diverse expertise and resources. Measure and communicate your impact transparently to build trust and refine strategies. Stay adaptable and be prepared to adjust your approach based on feedback and evolving circumstances. Committing to continuous learning and collaboration will drive meaningful progress toward the SDGs.

10. How would winning this SDG Award help you enhance your impact and expand your project? (150 Words Limit)

Winning the EUTECH SDG Award would significantly enhance our impact by providing crucial recognition and credibility, which can attract additional funding and partnerships. The award would validate our innovative approach and increase visibility, allowing us to scale our operations to new regions like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. It would also facilitate knowledge exchange with other award winners, offering valuable insights and collaboration opportunities. Ultimately, the award would amplify our efforts in advancing menstrual health and gender equality, enabling us to reach and empower more women and communities, driving broader progress towards the SDGs.

11. What are your future objectives regarding your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Our future objectives for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) include expanding our reach to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan to improve menstrual health and women's empowerment. We aim to enhance our educational programs, integrate digital health solutions, and strengthen local production of menstrual products. Additionally, we plan to influence policy changes and drive greater community engagement to tackle menstrual stigma and promote gender equality. By scaling our model and fostering partnerships, we aspire to create a sustainable impact that contributes to improved health outcomes and economic opportunities for women across the region.