Mancherial woman pioneers handmade sanitary pads

Burla Jyothi, a determined woman from Mancherial, has become an inspiring example for many women who dream of financial independence. A B.Com graduate from Chunnambattiwada, Jyothi runs Abitha Forever, the district’s first handmade sanitary pad manufacturing unit. Even though her journey has been full of challenges, she continues to empower women while pursuing her own entrepreneurial dreams.

Before starting her venture, Jyothi worked with self-help groups (SHGs) and voluntary organizations to promote women’s empowerment. Her interest in supporting women led her to launch the sanitary pads unit in 2020 with help from a voluntary organization. She received training in pad-making from an organization in Vijayawada and was determined to provide safe, affordable, and high-quality products for women in her community.

However, Jyothi admits that running the business hasn’t been easy. She has struggled over the past five years and faces hurdles in marketing her products due to certain limitations. A major challenge has been clearing the safety test and obtaining Indian Standards Institute (ISI) certification, which is crucial for gaining customers’ trust. The certification checks important factors such as skin-friendliness, absorbency, fluid retention, and environmental safety. Despite these obstacles, Jyothi remains hopeful that with support, she can overcome these hurdles and expand her reach.

Currently, she targets local kirana stores, schools, and SHGs to sell her pads. To sustain her venture, Jyothi has also started stitching school uniforms and training other women in tailoring, creating more income opportunities for them. Through these efforts, she continues her mission to empower women in the district, combining entrepreneurship with social impact.

A mother of two, Jyothi appeals to officials to help her clear safety tests and secure certification. She believes that with encouragement and support, her products could reach more women, providing them with a safer and affordable alternative to commercial sanitary pads. Her story is not just about business - it is about determination, empowerment, and the drive to make a positive difference in her community.

Jyothi’s journey proves that even small initiatives can inspire change and create opportunities for women, showing that courage and perseverance can turn a simple idea into a movement for empowerment.