The period of learning

While women on one end feel period is unwelcome guest every month, there are women who look forward for the three days to get rid of their work and give time for themselves. Sex workers feel happy when they get their period as they get to do something that they like.

Project Free Period campaign an initiative by feminine hygiene company Stayfree and NGO Prerana strives to make three days of periods equal to three days of learning for the sex workers. Learning is condensed into 3-day training modules so that these can be turned into three days of learning.

The program will also have the women set up stalls in flea markets and malls to display the products of their newly acquired skills in an effort to create more awareness and support for the initiative. The strategy additionally plans to take the training out of the classrooms, for both the women and the trainers; through simple instructional videos that can be shared through Whatsapp.

Launched in January, the first edition of #ProjectFreePeriod rolled out in the red-light district of Mumbai. Over 30 women have since been part of workshops where they have learned skills ranging from candle-making, embroidery, henna-art, soft-toy making and basic beautician skills.

“To go from normalising periods in the lives of women to using periods to normalise the lives of women in the sex trade; is a great example of the kind of power and influence brands can wield,” said Rahul Mathew, National Creative Director, DDB Mudra Group. “Project Free Period turns the period from a pause to an opportunity, for these women to sustain a life outside of the trade,” he adds.