Period poverty is a pressing issue affecting more than 30 million women in Pakistan, depriving them of access to menstrual hygiene products. The repercussions are profound, with girls often dropping out of school upon reaching puberty and women feeling compelled to take days off work. This unfortunate reality hinders women’s educational and professional progress, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. In response, the Khair App has emerged as a transformative tool, aiming to tackle period poverty head-on and empower Pakistani women and girls through health literacy.

About Khair

Khair’s journey began as a preventative health blog during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its growth and popularity prompted the development of the Khair app, driven by three core aims: to make quality health care easily accessible to all Pakistani women, to work toward ending period poverty in Pakistan and empowering women through health literacy.

The Khair app addresses period poverty through a comprehensive approach. Users can purchase a monthly subscription of menstrual hygiene product packages on its shop page. These packages not only contain quality sanitary products but also include additional items such as painkillers and pimple patches, ensuring a holistic approach to women’s health.

For every six packs of pads a user purchases, Khair donates two packs to those who cannot afford them. This initiative has proven instrumental in providing access to quality hygiene products for women and girls suffering from period poverty. Given that 44% of girls lack access to basic menstrual hygiene facilities at home, school or work, Khair’s efforts are pivotal in making a tangible impact.  Khair has donated at least 100,000 packs of pads, exemplifying its commitment to ending period poverty in Pakistan.

Health Literacy Efforts

Khair recognizes that addressing period poverty goes beyond providing hygiene products. Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation contribute to a lack of awareness and education, further exacerbating the issue. According to a study conducted by UNICEF, 49% of young girls had no knowledge of menstruation before their first period. To tackle this, Khair actively promotes health literacy among women and girls.

The Khair app features a menstrual cycle tracker, allowing women to monitor their cycles, ovulation and pregnancy. This tool not only aids in better preparation for periods but also contributes to overall reproductive health awareness. In addition to the cycle tracker, Khair spreads valuable health information through its blog on the app and various social media platforms, reaching more than 1.5 million people. Its social media posts include visually appealing infographics and videos on Instagram to reach and engage with a large audience. Khair covers topics that include myth busters about periods, guidance on checking for signs of breast cancer and FAQs about pregnancy tests. By providing easy access to preventative health information, Khair empowers women to take control of their health and well-being.

Access to Health Care

The app also facilitates direct access to health care professionals, connecting users with doctors through its platform. With more than 200,000 beneficiaries engaged, Khair is making significant strides in increasing health literacy and ensuring women have the agency to manage their health effectively.

Khair also extends its impact beyond the app through various initiatives. More than 100 health sessions have been conducted, fostering direct engagement with communities. Online campaigns, such as #Khairseperiod, further amplify the message and contribute to breaking the silence around menstruation.

Looking Ahead

Khair is actively addressing period poverty in Pakistan, utilizing a two-pronged approach. Through generous donations of menstrual hygiene products and an extensive health literacy platform, Khair is significantly impacting the lives of women and girls. Emphasizing the crucial role of education and awareness, Khair is breaking down cultural taboos that have historically impeded menstrual hygiene practices. The organization’s remarkable achievements serve as a promising model. As Khair continues to expand its outreach, the goal is to achieve increased pad donations and substantial progress in eradicating period poverty.

– Haniya Rahman
Photo: Flickr