Wani Majid
Project RAHAT, a women-led sanitary pad manufacturing initiative in Shahgund, Bandipora, has achieved a significant milestone with Ms. Raziya Farooq, the driving force behind the initiative and a member of the Self-Help Group, being honoured with the President AWWA Appreciation Award and Medallion, presented by the President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), in recognition of her exemplary contribution towards women empowerment, menstrual hygiene awareness and sustainable livelihood generation.
Project RAHAT was launched as an Indian Army initiative with the vision of empowering local women, promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Ms. Raziya Farooq and her Self-Help Group have played a pivotal role in translating this vision into a successful grassroots enterprise.
Recognising the potential of the initiative, the Indian Army provided vital support through infrastructure development, capacity building, mentorship and modern manufacturing equipment. Initially operating from a rented facility, Project RAHAT has now been shifted to a renovated production centre at Hajin, providing a more suitable and efficient environment for sustainable manufacturing.
The new production centre is not merely a manufacturing facility but has also emerged as a platform for menstrual health awareness, community outreach and inspiring young girls to understand menstrual hygiene with dignity and confidence.
With a dedicated marketing partner identified to strengthen market access and expand the reach of its products, Project RAHAT is progressing towards greater sustainability and self-reliance. The initiative stands as a shining example of how institutional support, women-led entrepreneurship and community participation can come together to create meaningful and lasting social impact.
The President AWWA Appreciation Award and Medallion presented to Ms. Raziya Farooq is a recognition of her perseverance, leadership and contribution to the success of Project RAHAT. It is also a proud moment for the entire Self-Help Group and the community associated with the initiative.
Project RAHAT exemplifies the Indian Army’s commitment to people-centric initiatives, women empowerment and community development, demonstrating how focused support and grassroots participation can transform a small local initiative into a sustainable model of social change.
From its humble beginnings in a rented facility to the establishment of a dedicated production centre and recognition by AWWA, Project RAHAT has undertaken a remarkable journey of empowerment, dignity and transformation.
The Indian Army congratulates Ms. Raziya Farooq and the entire Project RAHAT Self-Help Group on this well-deserved recognition and reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women, strengthen communities and contribute towards a more self-reliant society.
