Women
We believe in gender equality, equal opportunity and education for all.
What we are trying to solve
Right now, 500 million women and girls don't have the things they need to manage their periods safely nor the understanding to free them from embarrassment. In India alone, research has shown that as many as 1 in 5 girls leave school when they start their periods due to lack of toilets and taboos, perpetuating gender inequality and poverty.*
*WASH United, DASRA & Bank of America
Our Solution
We teach period education programmes to establish excellent menstrual, sexual and reproductive health literacy in schools and communities where taboos still suppress women, girls and all people with periods. We teach everyone; the girls, boys, men and women to ensure a full community mindset shift and create a safe environment in which all genders can thrive.
We carry out menstrual disorder identification and guidance programmes in communities where women feel unable to visit a gynaecologist for reasons both cultural and financial. We raise awareness around potential menstrual disorders they might be experiencing and bring understanding to taboo conditions. We are leading India’s first ever study (2022) to identify women living in vulnerable communities who might be suffering from endometriosis or other menstrual disorders.
Gender Equality for a Thriving World
Women often have a strong body of knowledge and expertise that can be used in climate change mitigation, disaster reduction and adaptation strategies. Furthermore, women’s responsibilities in households and communities, as stewards of natural and household resources, positions them well to contribute to livelihood strategies adapted to changing environmental realities. Empowering women and girls in developing countries ranked second among 76 solutions for curbing global warming.*
*UN & Project Drawdown
Impact
+ Keep girls in school
To date we have seen +11,500 girls rejoin school through the implementation of eco-toilets and our period programme.
+ Empower women
Strong women build strong communities.
+ Reduce child brides
Out of education girls are significantly more vulnerable to being married in their mid-teens. (Malala Fund)
+ Mitigate climate change
The education of women is the 5th most important solution to climate change. (Project Drawdown)
+ Alleviate poverty and gender inequality
With bodily understanding and awareness, the suppression of women is greatly reduced.
Before The Cycle taught my school all about periods, I thought I shouldn’t go near my sisters once a month as they could be unclean. Also they were not allowed to eat with us. I will go home and tell my parents everything The Cycle taught us!
Sankar, Puducherry
Our Global Goals
Clean water and sanitation
Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Help women, girls, people with periods feel body brilliant!
Our menstrual education programmes bring knowledge and confidence
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