In a world slowly going insane with hatred, I bring you a story of compassion today.
Aahika, a student in the twelfth grade, took part in mock United Nations, last year, researched women’s health and hygiene and was horrified to find that amenities she takes for granted every month, a toilet and sanitary napkins, were amenities denied to many young girls in the world…so much that some drop out of school once they mature.
Ably supported by her parents, Aahika started 2littleangels.com a couple of months back, a venture that is a subscription based service in which you get your own branded personal hygiene package of the month and also send one ( very economical) package out to an underprivileged girl who cannot afford it. She hopes to be able to help five thousand girls stay comfortable in the first year of operations.
A city girl, living a seemingly privileged life, she is researching on the state of women in the world. She believes education is the start of creating a level playing field for women. 2littleangels has received enquiries from other young girls from Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan & Dubai to start the venture in their countries but they need the low cost product to distribute to those who cannot afford one and use alternatives that can lead to infection.
A low cost sanitary napkin costs two rupees to make, and the machine itself costs less than five lakh rupees to set up. The nearest machine to Bangalore that does this is in Mysore, made by Arunachalam Muruganantham. He has set up several thousands in India. Now a few companies are showing an interest in setting up these machines on site, in their factories. For the women to use, the men to take home for the women in their house.
And Aahika, and boys and girls like her, are putting in time to break the taboo and talk openly about what women need to better their lot and taking action. One step at a time.
Saree #95 ‪#‎100sareepact‬ to shoot a video with Aahika.
Hope lives. Kids like her are keeping the faith alive.
My ” March of elephants ” saree is now my ” ray of Hope ” saree also.
——–
I wore the same saree a couple of days ago for a chai adda at Kalyani’s house and then a dinner later that night.