ABOUT ASANI

The Asani Sanitary Napkin program is developed by Women for Women.

Our award-winning flagship project, the Asani Sanitary Napkin program, is designed to end period poverty and bring menstrual equity in rural Indian communities. This program has reached hundreds of thousands of women and girls living in remote and rural areas across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Education To Break Taboos

We execute our awareness programs to correct damaging misconceptions around menstruation and destigmatize periods in the community through Menstrual Hygiene Management awareness sessions. Did you know that 71% of girls do not know what periods are before they experience them for the first time?

Access To Period Products

Due to the inaccessibility of sanitary napkins and health facilities in many rural communities, women are obliged to manage their periods with an unsanitary rag instead of with pads. This deteriorates the quality of life for these women.

Economic
Empowerment

We train women in rural India to manufacture and distribute sanitary products. Not only does this program empower women through an employment opportunity, but the increased access to menstrual products also provides them with the means to pursue higher education and livelihood prospects while menstruating.

Advocating For Menstrual Equity

Menstruation is a highly stigmatized issue in rural India, and many do not have access to sanitary pads. The stigma and lack of resources obstruct not only access to good health but opportunity as well. Asani has a profound personal and public impact, combating stigma and empowering women and girls with a fundamental sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

THE INNOVATION OF ASANI

After years of experimentation, we have developed a best in class Menstrual Health Management program that tackles all issues surrounding menstrual health and supports the development of the communities we serve. Our Asani Sanitary Napkin program is designed by women for women. The program improves menstrual health awareness and use of menstrual products in rural areas. Through its integrated approach, the program improves the health of the beneficiaries, provides economic opportunities, dignity, as well as access to education. Asani is designed to be financially sustainable and socially acceptable for local communities.

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AWARENESS

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AVAILABILITY

ACCESSIBILITY

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ADVOCACY

EMPOWERING HER AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

CHILDHOOD

We lay the foundation for a lifetime of wellness with health & hygiene education, including crucial information on menstrual hygiene. Our Bal Health Mela turns learning about health into a fun and joyful experience, ensuring she grows up strong and well-informed.

TEEN YEARS

We stand by her as she learns about menstruation, breaking taboos and ensuring her education continues uninterrupted. Access to Asani Sanitary Napkins and Menstrual Hygiene Awareness doesn’t just keep her in school—it keeps her dreams alive and thriving. Your support writes her story of uninterrupted success.

YOUNG ADULTHOOD

We’re there to boost her dignity and confidence as she steps into young adulthood. Through creative learning and vocational training, we’re nurturing entrepreneurs ready to conquer the world. Our Asani Sanitary Napkin program ensures she continues to have the resources she needs to manage her health and pursue her dreams without barriers.

ADULTHOOD

Adulthood brings new challenges, but also opportunities. With career development and financial skills training, we empower her to achieve financial independence and pave her own path to success. Our Asani program helps her maintain her health and dignity as she reaches her goals.

MOTHERHOOD

Ensuring a safe journey into motherhood with our Maternal Health and Gynec Camps, strengthening both her and the next generation.

NEXT GENERATION

As she raises the next generation, the ripple effect of her empowerment is timeless. Through education, stigma-breaking initiatives, and community development, our commitment to change continues across generations. Our work today plants the seeds for a healthier, more empowered world tomorrow.

what we do

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The Challenge

Menstruation is a highly stigmatized, critical social and health issue in rural India. Many women and girls in these regions do not have access to sanitary pads. As a result, it is common for girls to stop attending school when they start their periods and for women and girls to contract infections and other serious illnesses from using makeshift materials like rags to manage to bleed. The stigma surrounding periods and lack of resources obstructs not only access to good health but opportunity.

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The Solution

The Desai Foundation addresses menstrual health in rural India through a multifaceted approach. The Asani project trains local women to produce affordable sanitary pads, creating jobs and improving hygiene. Educational programs raise awareness and reduce stigma, while female-led distribution ensures more comfortable access to pads. By empowering women and challenging societal taboos, the foundation promotes both menstrual health and broader social and economic empowerment.
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The Lasting Impact

Our brand of sanitary napkins is called Asani, which means “with ease”…because something so natural shouldn’t be so hard to take care of. Our program creates life long good habits that can have major impacts on the health of girls and women. Our unique methodology allows for women to participate in our program in a flexible way, in the role that speaks most to them. We work to cultivate dignity for those we serve so they can break free from the stigma and shame, stay in school, and participate in the workforce.

OUR IMPACT

Million Women Reached
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ASANI SANITARY NAPKINS DISTRIBUTED FREE OF COST
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WOMEN
WORKING
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STATES SERVED
IN INDIA
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LOCAL SCHOOLS WITH
REGULAR MHM PROGRAMMING
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TOTAL
PRODUCTION UNIT
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SANITARY NAPKINS PRODUCED AND COUNTING
0 MILLION

Watch to learn more about Asani

Learn how our flagship program has impacted women and girls across rural India.

REGIONAL FOCUS

REGIONS WHERE WE ARE LOCATED

Today, we operate four Asani production centers and are currently expanding this program to other partners. It is one of our most all-encompassing initiatives and we are very excited to expand it, making waves in social and health reform in the greater region. 

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

REGIONS WHERE WE ARE EXPANDING

Across India

DO YOU WANT ASANI IN YOUR REGION?

STORIES FROM OUR BENEFICIARIES

Discover the transformative impact of Asani through heartfelt testimonials from our beneficiaries. See how Asani is positively impacting lives every day.

Why Asani? Find Out More

Learn about our commitment to empowering people who menstruate, exceptional product quality, women-led production, and cost-effectiveness. See why Asani is making a real difference.

Yes, for three clear reasons. First, we teach safe disposal practices to our customers, ensuring they understand the best way to dispose of their pads. Second, 100% of the materials used to make Asani are sourced directly from India, reducing our carbon footprint. Third, they are produced locally, close to where they are being used, which further cuts down on shipping and transport.

Actually, we do. Our first concern will always be the women and girls we serve. And we mostly work in rural communities where running clean water and soap are not freely available. In our awareness sessions we do discuss the safe and proper use of re-usable options. Most reusable products (pads, rags, cups, etc) are not properly cleaned, dried, or stored. Until everyone in India has safe, clean running water, we can’t justify suggesting using only reusable pads. The disposable pads are the best way to prevent infection, disease or even infertility.

This data is assuming no pads are biodegradable. So it puts into context the relatively small amount of waste we are talking about here. The total menstruating population of India is 355 million. Assuming 35% of women are using Sanitary Napkins (using about 8-10 pads a month each), it would mean a roughly daily waste due to sanitary napkin will be 250 tonnes. The total daily plastic waste in India is around 10,000 tonnes. Sanitary napkin disposal waste is approx. 2.5% of the total daily plastic waste in India. We agree that every bit counts, but for now, in our fight for women’s health, we are putting a women’s life at the top of the priority list.

We understand completely the waste and pollution issue in urban centers. Our work and our customers are in rural communities throughout India. These communities tend to be more environmentally minded to begin with, as most of them are farmers. They tend to keep the area cleaner, use products multiple times, and practice burning to dispose of things on a regular basis.

Asani Sanitary Napkins

Asani Sanitary Napkins provide superior protection and comfort. They are designed to be nearly 50% longer, offering extended coverage so you can stay worry-free during your periods. The Dry Net Cover ensures rapid absorption, keeping you dry and comfortable.

By choosing Asani, you are also supporting a cause – empowering women in rural India through employment and promoting menstrual hygiene awareness. 

Feel confident and make a difference with Asani Sanitary Napkins! Check out our product page to purchase.

ASANI IN THE NEWS

December 7, 2023

CSR Mandate

September 24, 2023

India Abroad

September 18, 2023

Ms.

August 18, 2023

Healio

August 18, 2023

Women Entrepreneurs Review

Sameer's Article

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Recognition by Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP)

Secretary Clinton Visits the Desai Foundation!

Gujarat Women Empowerment Award 2023-24

Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Award - 2021

The CSR Universe Social Impact Award for Women and Child Development - 2023

GET INVOLVED AND PURCHASE ASANI

We believe that empowering women and girls has the power to not only change the economic circumstances of individual families, but the entire community. Join us in educating and providing women and girls with the building blocks for future advancement so that endless families can have the power to dream beyond their circumstances.

Support our mission with your contribution
Help us expand our reach by distributing Asani products
Introduce Asani products to your school community
Partner with us to bring Asani products to your village
Purchase Asani products for yourself and others
Interested in ordering large quantities of Asani products?
Download our detailed brochure for more information!
Become an Expert MHM Trainer

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Our award-winning Asani Sanitary Napkin program has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of women and girls across 8 states in rural India, thanks to these incredible organizations for their support. If your organization is interested in Asani – we would love to hear from you!

Indian Government Social Initiatives

OUR SUPPORTERS

Our award-winning Asani Sanitary Napkin program has positively impact hundreds of thousands of women and girls across 8 states in rural India thanks to these incredible organizations. If your organization is interested in Asani and would like to support – we would love to hear from you!

 

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