Breaking barriers of shame, discomfort, and long-held social taboos, Shokhi Sanitary Napkin from Akij Healthcare & Hygiene Limited has stepped forward to ease the challenges women face across the country.
On August 20 and 21, the Shokhi team successfully carried out the campaign “Shokhi Hoye Tomar Pashe” (Always By Your Side, Like A Friend) in two of Dhaka’s most densely populated communities – Karail and Rayer Bazar.
Across Bangladesh, millions of working women leave their homes every day in pursuit of livelihood and to support their families. Yet, every month, a few days become the hardest to endure. Periods are still surrounded by stigma and discomfort, making this natural cycle one of the most difficult times for them.
A statistic from Prothom Alo shows that many women in the garment sector miss two to three workdays each month due to menstruation. This adds up to nearly 200 million lost working hours annually. A WaterAid survey further revealed that nine out of ten under-privileged women continue to use cloth during their periods, exposing them to serious health risks such as urinary tract infections, reproductive complications, and infertility.
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For Shokhi, these are not just numbers. The brand recognizes that periods affect not only women’s physical comfort but also their work performance, family life, and the nation’s overall productivity.
That is why Shokhi has introduced itself as a true friend, one that women can rely on for protection, care, and the right guidance.
Through its on-ground activations, Shokhi has reached out to women with sanitary napkins, listened to their concerns around menstrual health, and worked to dispel the myths and superstitions surrounding periods.
As a result, many women are now using sanitary pads for the first time. They are returning to work more regularly and preparing to face each day with renewed confidence.
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The women of Karail and Rayer Bazar are now more aware of their bodies, their health, and the importance of menstrual hygiene. For them, these days are no longer days of shame, but days of care.
Yet Shokhi’s mission does not end here. The brand is committed to spreading this message of awareness across the nation—standing beside every woman, as a trusted friend who is always by her side.
