Softy an Affordable Healthcare Product for Low Paid Female Workers at Readymade Garment Industry

Abstract

<p><em>Readymade garment (RMG) industry is a labour intensive and low waged manufacturing industry. The industry maintains a very unique combination in male female ratio where female workers are always more in number than their male counterparts. The industry usually migrates from high- wage countries to low-wage ones, as water always flows downward. While low paid workers struggle to meet their basic needs, use of sanitary napkins is a luxury and dream product for them. Use of essential products become luxury because of the price. Women's menstruation is considered, especially in developing countries, a taboo and &ldquo;act of shame&rdquo;. Unaffordability and superstitions create reproductive tract infections and that pose a grave threat to women&rsquo;s health.&nbsp; Rags, waste cotton fabric pieces (jhute), etc are traditional and common materials in use for menstrual hygiene. Study reveals that in developing countries girls and adult women remain absent for about 50 days a year from school or their places of work simply because they do not have access to affordable sanitary pads (Neilsen, 2010). Moreover, illiteracy, lack of awareness and traditional shyness do not allow them to think about a better life in terms of menstrual hygiene.</em></p>

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