My name is Soumya Madhuri Medanki. I am 16-years old and a Grade 11 student at the Chirec Intl School (CBSE), Hyderabad.

I am very passionate about helping others, especially those who are less privileged than I am. Helping others where I can, especially for causes like this is a both an honour and privilege.

For women and girls in homes that we come from, sanitary pads are the norm and not a luxury. However for girls and women from many low-income families it is a luxury. To manage their menstrual needs they unfortunately are forced to resort to practices that are unhygienic and lead to health issues. The solution is to give them a menstrual hygiene kit that is cost-effective, lasts long, and is not too bulky. It positively impacts their health, education, and income (they don't have to miss work or school) and boosts their confidence.

The Hygiene kit that is being given is unique as it is reusable. It has 5 pads - 3 for medium flow and 2 for heavy flow. It lasts for 18-months and reduces the amount of waste created (as otherwise pads are dumped every month). As they last for so long they are also cost effective. Disposable/Normal sanitary pads have to be bought repeatedly, cost INR 50-100 per month, and are very damaging to the environment as they create huge waste.

The cost of this hygiene kit (including distribution, training the women/girls, etc) is just INR 500 per pack of 5. This makes it both an environmentally and physically beneficial alternative.

I request all of you to support my campaign. Let's come together and do our bit.