Project Period: June 1, 2024 – June 1, 2025

The Innovation Fund Project, launched in 2024 and funded by RFSU (Riksförbundet för Sexuell Upplysning), focuses on developing a comprehensive intervention model to combat period poverty and improve menstrual health in Sri Lanka's estate communities.

In Sri Lanka, many menstruating individuals face significant challenges due to rising product costs, high taxation, and inadequate infrastructure for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Additionally, menstruation often remains a taboo subject, excluded from school curricula, leading to inadequate education and perpetuating misconceptions. Cultural beliefs also contribute to the problem, as menstruating individuals may be viewed as unclean or impure, resulting in social isolation and discrimination. These factors, combined with limited awareness, can lead to serious health issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs).

The estate community in Sri Lanka faces profound socio-economic challenges and unique barriers, making it essential to address period poverty as it amplifies existing vulnerabilities and inequalities.

• To address these challenges, this project will conduct a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) research study. This study will gather essential data to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by estate communities through both quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Based on the findings, we will develop a comprehensive intervention model to enhance menstrual health in estate communities. This model will serve as a guide for stakeholders and implementing organizations, offering a strategic roadmap to effectively address menstrual health and hygiene challenges. It will focus on improving access to menstrual products, enhancing hygiene facilities, promoting better menstrual health practices, advancing education, and changing societal perceptions of menstruation.

Our ultimate goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment for menstruating individuals, enabling them to manage their menstrual health with dignity and without barriers.