Pune: ‘Kaam Ki Baat’ Revolutionizes Menstrual Health for Sugarcane Workers

Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 14th January 2024: Amidst the vast expanses of sugarcane fields, where the sun beats down relentlessly, a groundbreaking initiative is unfolding, bringing a wave of change to the lives of women toiling in these agricultural landscapes.

Samajbandh, a Pune-based social organization committed to transformative causes, has embarked on a unique public awareness program titled ‘Kaam Ki Baat,’ addressing the challenges faced by women working in sugarcane fields during their menstrual cycles. This program, currently implemented across four districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, promises to make a positive impact on the lives of female sugarcane workers.

Understanding the Struggles:

Pune’s own padman Sachin Aasha Subhash, the founding partner of Samajbandh, sheds light on the harsh reality faced by these women. The physically demanding nature of their work leaves them with little choice but to continue working even during menstruation. Taking a day off is not only a personal sacrifice but also means a loss of income for their partners, leading to a complex web of challenges. The lack of facilities for drying menstrual clothes and undergarments in the makeshift huts exacerbates the situation, pushing some women to extreme measures like uterus removal in their thirties.

The ‘Kaam Ki Baat’ Initiative:

In collaboration with Delhi-based organization Solidaridad, Samajbandh is leading a public awareness campaign in five factories across Maharashtra and Karnataka. The campaign encompasses sugarcane fields in Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Belagavi. In Pune district, the initiative is actively making a difference in Shetphalgade village in Indapur taluka.

A Holistic Approach:

‘Kaam Ki Baat’ goes beyond awareness sessions; it includes the distribution of cloth Asha pad kits, menstrual booklets, and hands-on training on pad production. This multi-faceted approach aims to tackle the core issues of public awareness, material availability, and sustainability.

Challenges and Commitment:

Implementing such a campaign amidst the rigorous sugarcane harvesting process is no small feat. Dedicated Social Workers from Samajbandh actively engage with women in the fields, conduct informative sessions, and address their specific concerns. Despite challenges such as resistance from contractors overseeing factory workers and the involvement of children in the workforce, the committed team continues their relentless efforts.

Impact and Reach:

In just ten days, ‘Kaam Ki Baat’ has reached around 1200 women, with plans to reach 1300 more in the next ten days. This ambitious campaign, which commenced on Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary (3rd January), focuses not only on women but also extends awareness to their families.

Call for Support:

Sachin emphasizes the need for support and financial backing for the initiative to operate on a larger scale. Samajbandh urges various organizations to come forward, providing essential financial assistance and on-the-ground support to strengthen this impactful endeavor, which spans across districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Transformative Movement:

In conclusion, ‘Kaam Ki Baat’ not only sheds light on the struggles faced by women in sugarcane fields but also stands as a testament to the power of collective action and social change. Samajbandh‘s efforts, coupled with the support of Solidaridad, have set the stage for a transformative movement that could pave the way for improved conditions and dignity for these resilient women. As this initiative unfolds, it serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for positive change through awareness, empathy, and collective efforts.