For millions of menstruators in India, periods still come with silence, shame and limited access to safe products. In many rural and low-income areas, girls and women miss school or work during their periods. Health risks remain high due to poor hygiene, lack of clean water and deep-rooted taboos.

Project Baala was created to address this gap in a practical way. Founded by Soumya Dabriwal and Aradhana Rai Gupta, the organisation works on two fronts. It provides low-cost menstrual products and builds awareness around menstrual hygiene and health.

Since 2017, Project Baala has reached more than one million beneficiaries across 28 Indian states. Its work has also extended to Ghana, Nepal and Tanzania.

Seeing the Problem First-Hand

Soumya Dabriwal began working on the idea while studying economics at the University of Warwick. During visits to underserved communities, she saw how period poverty shaped daily life. Many girls used unsafe materials. Others stayed home during menstruation due to social restrictions.

Dabriwal shared these observations with Aradhana Rai Gupta, her childhood friend. Gupta had completed an MBA from Cornell University. Both came from business families and wanted to build something of their own. They chose the social sector, with a focus on long-term impact.

They agreed on one thing early. Menstrual health needed both products and education. One without the other would not work.

Designing Products for Daily Use

Project Baala’s first product was a reusable sanitary pad designed to last up to two years. The pad includes an absorbent core, leak-proof layers and antimicrobial treatment. It can be washed and reused with basic access to water.

Manufacturing began in the Delhi-NCR region. As demand grew, the organisation expanded its range. Today, Project Baala also offers biodegradable pads and sustainable menstrual cups.

In 2025, the founders plan to launch hydrophobic pads developed with Swedish scientists. These pads are designed to last up to five years. They need far less water for washing and break down naturally after disposal.

The focus remains on reducing cost over time while lowering environmental waste.

Distribution Through Local Women

Reaching the last mile is central to Project Baala’s model. Products are sold and distributed through a grassroots network of around 500 women from local communities. These women also act as educators.

Project Baala works with more than 70 non-profit partners to reach remote areas. Workshops form a key part of the outreach. Sessions cover basic menstrual health, hygiene practices and myth-busting.

The founders say face-to-face conversations help build trust and shift attitudes. Communities are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns.

A Revenue Model That Supports Scale

Project Baala operates as a social enterprise. Nearly 90 percent of its revenue comes from B2B partnerships. These include corporates, grant-making bodies and international aid organisations that fund large-scale distribution and education programmes.

The organisation also works with government departments through grants and contracts.

Revenue has grown steadily. From about ₹2.5 lakh in its first year, Project Baala reported revenue of nearly ₹5 crore by November 2024. The founders aim to reach around ₹10 crore in the current year.

They say this model allows the organisation to plan long-term and invest in research rather than rely only on donations.

Recognition From the Sector

Impact leaders have taken note of Project Baala’s approach. Sudarshan Suchi, chief development officer at Reliance Foundation, says the organisation balances empathy with execution.

He points out that the solutions are designed with local realities in mind and are owned by the communities that use them. This increases adoption and long-term use.

Looking Ahead

Dabriwal and Gupta plan to expand Project Baala’s work to countries such as the Philippines, Singapore and Bhutan. They also want to use technology to build a national database on menstrual health indicators in India.

In the long term, they aim to position Project Baala as a knowledge partner on women’s health. This includes supporting policy, improving product standards and guiding public health programmes.

For the founders, progress is measured in small changes. More girls staying in school. Fewer infections. Open conversations in homes and classrooms.

By treating menstrual health as a basic need rather than a taboo, Project Baala continues to push steady change where it matters most.

FAQs

Q1. What is Project Baala?
Project Baala is a social enterprise that provides affordable menstrual products and menstrual health education.

Q2. Who founded Project Baala?
It was founded in 2017 by Soumya Dabriwal and Aradhana Rai Gupta.

Q3. What products does Project Baala offer?
The organisation offers reusable sanitary pads, biodegradable pads and menstrual cups.

Q4. How many people has Project Baala reached?
Project Baala has reached over one million beneficiaries across India, Ghana, Nepal and Tanzania.