A Powerful Model of SHG Women’s Livelihood, Empowerment & Menstrual Health Leadership
Jalna, Maharashtra | 13th February 2026: Ujaas, the menstrual health initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, celebrated the second anniversary of its Ujaas Green Cloth Pad Manufacturing Unit in Jalna, established by Ujaas, a pioneering livelihood project run entirely by Self-Help Group (SHG) women under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), in partnership with the Damini Shaharisthariya Sangh and the Jalna Municipal Corporation. The celebration was graced by dignitaries, including Hon. Vandana Magre (Mayor, Jalna Municipal Corporation), Hon. Rajesh Raut (Deputy Mayor), Hon. Dr. Ashima Mittal (District Collector, Jalna), and senior officials such as Aarjun Giram, Nanda Gayakwad, and Keshav Kanpude, along with the Ujaas team.
In just two years, the unit has emerged as a powerful example of women-led rural enterprise. A total of 111,125 high-quality Ujaas Green Cloth Pads have been produced at the Jalna unit, reflecting the efficiency, skill, and dedication of the SHG women who manage the end-to-end operations. Through this initiative, SHG members have collectively earned annually ₹19,04,000, translating into an average income of approximately ₹76,160 per woman per year, offering them steady, dignified and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Ujaas model goes far beyond income generation. Women working at the unit undergo extensive training in cloth pad manufacturing, quality control, hygiene standards, machine operations and digital record-keeping. Additionally, they receive training in financial literacy, budgeting, banking, and entrepreneurship—equipping them with skills that strengthen long-term economic resilience. These interventions have transformed the women into confident contributors to their household income, many for the first time, and have elevated their status and voice within their families and communities.
Equally impactful is their role in transforming menstrual health practices across rural Jalna. Through Ujaas’ Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) training, these women have challenged old beliefs and broken down the silence and stigma around menstruation. Today, they are champions of menstrual awareness—empowering their daughters and other young girls with accurate information, healthier habits and body confidence. This shift is gradually giving rise to a new generation of informed, progressive and stigma-free young women.
At the anniversary event, Ujaas also felicitated 25 Period Sakhis—trained community champions who have played an instrumental role in spreading menstrual health awareness across Jalna. These women have conducted awareness drives, educated adolescent girls, supported pad adoption and encouraged sustainable menstrual practices within their communities.
The Ujaas Green Cloth Pad, manufactured locally by the SHG women, continues to offer a reusable, chemical-free and environment-friendly menstrual solution that reduces plastic waste and promotes sustainable menstruation across Maharashtra.
Speaking on the occasion chief guest Hon. Vandana Magre (Mayor, Jalna Municipal Corporation) “Jalna is proud to emerge as a model for SHG-led women’s empowerment. Through initiatives like the Ujaas Green Cloth Pad Manufacturing Unit, our women are not only gaining sustainable livelihoods but are becoming powerful agents of social and economic progress. The Jalna Municipal Corporation remains committed to strengthening SHG networks, supporting women’s entrepreneurship and creating opportunities that uplift entire households. I congratulate the SHG members for their achievements and thank Ujaas for their dedicated partnership in promoting both livelihood generation and sustainable menstrual health solutions.”
Ms Poonam Patker— Head, Ujaas: “At Ujaas, our mission is to ensure that menstrual health solutions are sustainable, dignified and community-led. What the SHG women in Jalna have achieved reflects the true power of grassroots leadership. As their income increases, we see a parallel rise in household wellbeing — better education for children, stronger hygiene practices and greater financial confidence. This unit is not just about livelihood generation; it is about nurturing a more progressive, resilient rural India. We aim to scale this model across Maharashtra so more women can lead change within their communities.”
Ms. Anusaya chapalwad SHG Woman Beneficiary: “Earlier, I depended entirely on my husband’s income, but today I am able to support my family with dignity. Working at the Ujaas pad unit has given me confidence, respect in my home and the ability to contribute to my children’s education. I feel proud knowing that the pads we make help other women too. This work has changed my life.”
Looking forward, Ujaas is committed to scaling this successful community enterprise model across Maharashtra. The next Ujaas Green Cloth Pad Manufacturing Unit is being established in Wardha, where SHG women will be trained to independently manage the unit, transitioning into entrepreneurs and community leaders. This expansion reinforces Ujaas’ vision of building a future where rural women are at the forefront of economic growth, sustainable production and menstrual health leadership across India.
Ujaas remains dedicated to creating a world where every woman—rural or urban—has access to dignified menstrual care, opportunity for economic independence and the confidence to lead change within her family and community.
About Ujaas
Ujaas, a transformative initiative under the stewardship of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is committed to fostering positive change and empowerment in the space of menstrual health and hygiene management. With an unwavering focus on driving awareness, breaking stereotypes and myths and contributing to social development in the space of menstrual health and hygiene, Ujaas epitomizes the Aditya Birla Education Trust ethos of contributing meaningfully to society.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Ujaas leverages the values, resources, and expertise of the Aditya Birla Education Trust to create a lasting impact. By implementing awareness workshops and distribution of free pads, Ujaas serves as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.
Guided by the visionary principles of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, Ujaas embodies the belief that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level. Through collaborative efforts, strategic partnerships, and a deep-rooted commitment to uplift communities, Ujaas aspires to make a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged girls and society at large.