The name itself has the power of Maa Durga, an embodiment of feminine strength and power, and the NGO does not fail to live up to its name. Kamakhya a social enterprise based in Surat, works towards creating an eco-friendly environment for safe and hygienic periods.
Representing India at the ‘Queen’s Commonwealth Trust’, Kamakhya has successfully led many campaigns spreading awareness about menstrual health and tearing down several period taboos. Besides working for the urban society, Kamakhya also focuses on extending their work in rural areas. Kamakhya has so far forever changed the lives of more than 500 underprivileged people and trained 500 plus rural menstruators.
They conduct both online and in-person sessions in colleges and schools, interacting with the youth regarding menstruation and busting prevailing myths about periods. Kamakhya’s vision is to increase the use of sustainable period products. Unlike the use of pads from popular companies the NGO tries to promote the use of cloth pads, biodegradable pads and menstrual cups which can be reused and are easily disposable.
With campaigns like ‘Period on the Go’ also tend to increase access to these sustainable period products and by keeping them in toilets or public places they want to reduce the stigma surrounding periods.
At the end of the day, Kamakhya wants to normalize talking about periods without using euphemisms like ‘I’m down’ or ‘time aayi hai’ and allow this generation to talk about periods with no hesitation or shame.
As the team of Kamakhya says,” Periods aren’t a barrier, they’re a natural phenomenon; they’re a strength within!”.