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CQuERE

Societal Program on Homemade Tampons to Address Gynecological Health Issues Faced by Women in Rural Sundarbans

Center – Centre for Quantum Engineering, Research and Education (CQuERE), TCG CREST

Anumita Mukhopadhyay (10PP23A78004)

Ayan Kumar Ghosh (10PP23A78006)

Abdul Kalam (10PP23A78001)

Sanjib Das (10PP23A78002)

Anupam Patra (10PP24J78001)

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Introduction

Problem statement

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Homemade Tampons to Address Gynecological Health Issues Faced by Women in Rural Sundarbans �

"Women engaged in prawn post-larvae collection in the Sundarban region of West Bengal face significant health risks due to prolonged exposure to saline water, lack of access to adequate healthcare, and hazardous working conditions. These women are vulnerable to skin diseases, joint pain, reproductive health issues, and injuries from wildlife. Despite their critical economic role, they have limited alternative employment opportunities due to low education levels, childcare responsibilities, and poverty. "How can we create lasting solutions to improve the health and working conditions of these women, while making their jobs safer?"

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Area of Focus

  • The Sundarbans, shared by India and Bangladesh, is the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, and it spills into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Women collect prawn post-larvae (PL) from tidal rivers and creeks.
  • Prawn PL collection involves hours of wading in waist-deep saline waters.

Why Women Engage in Prawn PL Collection

  • Limited job opportunities and poverty drive women to engage in this work.
  • Men moved to other jobs; women remain due to childcare responsibilities and lack of education.

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Health & Environmental Impact

The Sundarbans region has seen a significant rise in salinity levels due to climate change and frequent cyclones. For women engaged in prawn PL collection, which involves wading in saltwater for four to six hours daily, this exposure leads to multiple health problems-

Vaginal infections: Prolonged contact with saltwater disturbs the natural pH balance of the vagina, increasing the risk of infections.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Women report frequent UTIs due to the constant wetness and exposure to unsanitary conditions.

• Menstrual irregularities: The harsh working environment contributes to irregular menstrual cycles, causing pain and discomfort.

• Miscarriages: The lack of proper sanitation and healthcare access has also been linked to higher miscarriage rates among these womens.

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Solutions

Homemade Tampons

Homemade tampons, made from locally available, affordable materials, present a viable alternative. These tampons can be crafted from natural fibers such as cotton, which is more accessible and cost-effective for the women in this region. The benefits of homemade tampons include – Affordability , Cultural relevance, Health benefits.

Required Materials

Piece of Fabric

Rolling after adding Cotton thread

Homemade Tampons

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Action Plan

Large-scale Survey: Conduct a household survey to understand the extent of women’s health issues related to saltwater exposure. This data will be critical in identifying the women most in need of support.

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Collaboration with South Asia Water Initiative (SAWI): SAWI has developed a strong research foundation on the Sundarbans’ environment and its health impacts. Collaborating with SAWI will help integrate existing knowledge into the

solution framework for this problem.

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Machine Learning Model for Health Monitoring: Previous studies have gathered significant data on the working conditions of Sundarbans’ women. A machine learning model can be developed to identify high-risk areas and predict the impact of saline water exposure on women’s health. The model can also help raise awareness and guide educational interventions on how to make homemade tampons.

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Educational Programs: Partnering with local Women’s Self-Help Groups, we can conduct focus group discussions to understand women’s occupational choices and design educational workshops on menstrual hygiene. These programs will teach women how to produce tampons and other sanitary products from locally available materials.

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Health Monitoring and Support: Establish regular health camps in collaboration with local healthcare workers (such as Asha Workers) to monitor women’s health and provide medical assistance. Creating a supply chain for homemade tampons, along with proper health education, will reduce the risks associated with saltwater exposure.