The Avikar Singh Foundation (ASF) was founded by Avikar Singh in 2021. Avikar is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, and humanitarian who has dedicated his career to making a positive impact on the world. With a background in business and a passion for social justice, Avikar has used his skills and resources to create meaningful change through his writing, his business ventures, and his philanthropic work. Through his foundation, his team works to combat period poverty and improve menstrual hygiene and reproductive health for girls and women in need. Avikar and his team’s dedication to improving the lives of others have earned them recognition and respect from peers and has inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.
Avikar was driven to combat period poverty after experiencing it firsthand watching a large number of young girls growing up in low-income families. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education, which can have serious consequences for those affected, including missed school days, infections, and even stigma and shame.
For Avikar, the impact of period poverty was personal and profound. He remembers the embarrassment and fear he felt for others when he witnessed less privileged classmates being shamed and mocked when they didn’t have access to pads or tampons at the untimely start of their period and the shame and isolation that came with it. He also witnessed the struggles of other girls in his community who were unable to afford these necessary products.
Determined to make a difference, Avikar founded the organisation to specifically provide menstrual hygiene products and education to girls and women in need. The organisation works to break the cycle of poverty by providing a steady supply of pads and tampons, as well as education on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health. “As a man, a father, a son, a partner, I made it my obligation and duty to choose a cause that was close to my heart. I couldn’t imagine the suffering my mother would have to endure if she was less privileged to afford menstrual hygiene products, why then should I be ignorant of the needs of many women around the world?” Says Avikar.
The foundation’s efforts have had a significant impact on the lives of countless girls and women. The work of The Avikar Singh Foundation has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation and has provided much-needed support to those who were previously unable to afford these essential products. In a world where period poverty is still a widespread issue, ASF is working to make a real difference and ensure that all girls and women have the resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
By Karen Elsher | Special Correspondent, ASF Journalism group.
