On Saturday, 06 June 2026, UYP (Aparajeyo Tarunno) organized a significant workshop on eco-friendly reusable sanitary pad production and menstrual health awareness, aiming to promote safe hygiene practices and break social taboos surrounding menstruation.

The workshop was conducted and facilitated by key members of UYP, including Project Manager Abu Raihan, Programme Officer Jubaida Anjum Saba, Communication Officer Suraiya Jannat Sumi, Content Writer Nayan Chakraborty, and Graphics Designer Saima Akhter, in collaboration with Ella Pad.

The initiative was guided by insights from Mamunur Rahman, Founder of Ella Pad, who explained that the word “Ella” means “She” in Spanish, symbolizing a strong and self-reliant woman. He emphasized that menstruation should never be treated as a taboo or a matter of shame, and highlighted the mission of spreading this message across the country.

Co-founder Mahira Mamun stressed the importance of turning eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads into a social movement. She also highlighted the health risks associated with disposable pads, noting that many contain plastics and harmful antibacterial chemicals that may increase health complications, including risks to reproductive health.

Participants received hands-on training on menstrual health management, breaking social stigma, and the proper production of reusable sanitary pads under the supervision of trainer Noor Islam (Supervisor, Ella Pad). The interactive session also included discussions on proper usage duration, cleaning and drying methods, and the potential reduction of annual menstrual hygiene costs through reusable products.

A question-and-answer session further enriched the workshop, where participants discussed practical concerns and learned about sustainable menstrual hygiene practices. The program also highlighted how such initiatives can help develop future youth leaders who can promote awareness within their communities.

Participants from different backgrounds, including Dipika Rani (Mentor, Mironjilla Harijan Colony), Advocate Anika Rani, and Liza Akhter (Mentor, Karail), along with adolescents from various age groups, actively took part in the discussions and training activities.

The workshop concluded with a strong message of unity between youth empowerment, awareness, and environmental sustainability, aiming to build a safe, equitable, and environmentally responsible society through collective action and informed leadership.