For my CAS project, I worked on an initiative that focused on menstrual health, hygiene, and sustainability. The project began with visits to two organizations that approached pad-making differently. First, we visited Shakti Foundation, where we learned how sanitary pads can be made from plastic. Then, we visited Kamakhya, an organization that focuses on producing sustainable and reusable sanitary pads that are safer for the environment and more user-friendly. Learning from both organizations gave us practical knowledge and different perspectives on addressing menstrual health issues.

After gaining this understanding, we created our own sanitary pads and distributed them to schools and our house helps, while also conducting awareness sessions. These discussions highlighted the importance of menstrual hygiene, broke social taboos, and promoted the use of safer and more sustainable products. The project not only had a social impact but also empowered me and my peers with practical skills, leadership, and a stronger sense of responsibility toward community well-being and gender equality.

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

This project helped me identify several strengths, such as my ability to communicate openly on sensitive topics and my organizational skills in planning and executing different phases of the project. I discovered I am comfortable with public speaking and leading awareness sessions, even on subjects that can sometimes be considered taboo. At the same time, I recognized areas for growth, such as improving my technical knowledge of sustainable alternatives and becoming more confident in approaching larger groups for awareness drives.

LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

One of the main challenges of this project was addressing the stigma and hesitation that surrounds conversations about menstrual health. Initially, I found it difficult to speak about the issue openly, but gradually I learned to approach it with sensitivity and confidence. Another challenge was understanding the technical process of pad-making, especially learning the differences between plastic-based pads and sustainable alternatives. Overcoming these challenges helped me develop new skills, such as advocacy, leadership, and hands-on learning in sustainable production methods.

LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

This project required significant planning and initiative. From organizing visits to Shakti Foundation and Kamakhya, to arranging materials, scheduling awareness sessions, and distributing pads, I played an active role in coordinating tasks. Planning also included dividing responsibilities among peers, contacting schools, and structuring awareness discussions. Through this, I developed project management skills and learned how to balance logistics, communication, and execution effectively.

LO4: Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience

The project required commitment because it extended over multiple phases , learning from organizations, making pads, spreading awareness, and distribution. It wasn’t a one-day event but a continuous effort that involved returning to the project at different times. Despite busy schedules and academic pressure, I remained consistent and dedicated to seeing the project through. This perseverance showed me the importance of staying committed to causes that matter, even when results take time and effort.

LO5: Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively

Collaboration was essential to the success of this project. Working with peers helped us share tasks like material collection, organizing awareness sessions, and managing group discussions. We supported each other in areas where some felt less confident, for example, some peers led demonstrations while others handled communication with schools. The teamwork made the workload lighter and more efficient while also building stronger bonds within our group. This showed me the benefits of collaboration, where collective effort leads to greater impact than working individually.

LO6: Engagement with issues of global significance

This project directly engaged with a global issue: menstrual health and hygiene, which is closely linked to gender equality, public health, and sustainability. Around the world, millions of women lack access to safe and affordable menstrual products, which affects their health, education, and dignity. By promoting sustainable sanitary pads, we also addressed the environmental challenge of plastic waste generated by conventional pads. The project therefore tied local action to global goals, especially the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality, health, and climate action.

LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

This project also made me reflect on the ethics of our choices and actions. Menstrual health is often stigmatized, and discussing it openly required sensitivity and respect for cultural perspectives. We had to make sure our awareness sessions were inclusive, non-judgmental, and focused on empowerment. Choosing to distribute sustainable pads instead of plastic-based ones reflected our ethical responsibility to both the community and the environment. This showed me how small actions can promote fairness, respect, and sustainability while also challenging harmful taboos.

The sanitary pad making and awareness project was one of the most impactful CAS experiences I have undertaken. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, taught me practical skills, and allowed me to work toward a cause that addresses both social and environmental issues. Through perseverance, collaboration, and reflection, I not only contributed to the well-being of others but also grew in confidence, responsibility, and global awareness. Most importantly, this experience taught me that meaningful change begins with small, committed actions, and that service can transform both communities and individuals.