Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh): Drawing inspiration from Bollywood film Padman, a group of determined women from the remote Khore village in Neemuch district has rewritten the narrative of rural entrepreneurship and women empowerment.
The group began producing hygienic and affordable sanitary pads while creating a livelihood for themselves and others.
What began during the testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic as a small self-help initiative is today a full-fledged enterprise called "Naari Swabhiman". The group was formed by 12 village women in 2020, who first took up the task of making some PPE kits.
The group was financially supported by the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). In the beginning, with Rs 3 lakh, they ventured into manufacturing sanitary napkins using a basic machine.
Over time, their awareness campaigns across villages about menstrual hygiene struck a chord. With increasing demand and large orders from across the country, they upgraded to automated machines and expanded operations. Today the group handles orders worth Rs 5 to 8 lakh and completes the deliveries within 8–10 days.
Group president Mona Khoiwal shares, “We were inspired by Padman and started this journey to ensure rural women have access to safe hygiene products. Now we are not only earning for our families but uplifting others.”
Bharti Nakwal, a group member adds, “Women here used to rely on cloth during periods, which caused infections, but now they use our pads. Around 15 women work daily on different tasks from machine operation and weighing to packaging.”
This remarkable initiative stands as a beacon of grassroots innovation, showing that with vision and support even the smallest beginnings can lead to national recognition. Naari Swabhiman is not just producing sanitary pads, it's producing dignity, health and hope for countless women.
