Namaste नमस्ते
Welcome to the I Am Woman Project
The I Am Woman Project is a dedicated non-for-profit organisation working with women and girls in India and Nepal.
Who are we?
We are an Australian-based social work initiative.
We address the impacts and types of Gender Based Violence-GBV experienced by women and girls in India and Nepal.
One form of GBV is the stigmatisation of menstruation.
The stigma of having your period is closely intertwined with a range of intersectional factors such as gender inequality, poverty, caste, class, religion, (dis)ability and historically demeaning attitudes to women and girls. These factors reinforce the feelings of shame around menstruation.. This means for many women, the experience of having periods becomes something to be embarrassed about and to be kept hidden.
Period stigma also prevents women and girls from seeking important health care.
We respond to the impacts of GBV experienced by women and girls in two ways.
Firstly, we encourage women and girls to talk about about menstruation and to end the secrecy that has long surrounded it. We train women like Ashwini, to become Community Mobilisers who teach women Menstrual Health Management-MHM. Meet Ashwini below.
Secondly, we examine how structural and social root causes of gender inequality contribute to the secrecy in the first place. We do this through our Gender Equity and Social Action Programs which are delivered by trained Mentors. Our Mentors are passionate about working with young people and their families and communities.
Interested in a deep dive field education experience to Nepal?
“Promoting positive conversations about menstruation and human rights helps create a future which empowers women and girls” Ashwini, Community Mobiliser, NGO Partner, Badlaav Social Reform Foundation, Pune India
Where do we work?
The I Am Woman Project-IAW provides support to disadvantaged areas of Pune in Maharashtra, India.
We also work with marginalised and low income communities of Pokhara, Nepal.
These are communities where women and girls are most vulnerable to experiencing GBV.
“In the communities where we work, shame stifles open dialogue on menstruation and experiences of gender inequality” NGO partner, ECF, Pune, India
Our partner NGOs in India and Nepal have proximity to and an intimate understanding of their communities, along with local credibility and trust.
“ All of us imbibe gender norms from a young age but we aren’t always aware of where these norms originate and how they can be discriminatory” Annie Townsend, Director, IAW