Raima Banerjee

Indian social entrepreneur tackling menstrual health stigma

Raima Banerjee (born 1985) is an Indian social entrepreneur and founder of SheHer, a nonprofit addressing menstrual health taboos through education and product distribution. Her work has impacted over 500,000 women in rural India.

Banerjee identified that 23% of Indian girls drop out of school due to lack of menstrual hygiene resources. SheHer's 'Pad Banks' initiative places tampon dispensers in schools and public spaces while conducting workshops to normalize conversations about menstruation. The organization also partners with local artisans to produce affordable reusable pads.

Her 2017 TEDx talk 'Menstruation is not a crime' sparked national dialogue. In 2019, SheHer launched India's first menstrual hygiene museum in Kolkata to educate children and elders alike.

Banerjee's approach combines grassroots activism with corporate partnerships (e.g., Unilever's support). She was featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia in 2018 and received the UN Women's Act! Together Award in 2020.

Her vision extends to policy: SheHer lobbied for India's 2018 decision to exempt menstrual products from Goods and Services Tax (GST). Read more at SheHer.org and Forbes profile.