Archive · 31 Aug 2026
CACR Turns Menstrual and Handwashing Awareness Into Habits
CACR is an organisation that helps children learn about health and hygiene.
Its founder, Nitin Wadhwani, was motivated by stories of girls being isolated during their periods.
CACR teaches girls about menstruation, health, nutrition, period pain and sanitary products.
It also explains how to dispose of menstrual waste safely.
More than 1.5 lakh adolescent girls have taken part in this programme.
CACR teaches children why washing hands with soap is important.
It uses games and demonstrations so that children can practise these habits.
The organisation also trains teachers and involves parents so the lessons continue.
UNICEF supports CACR with technical, knowledge and financial assistance.
Nitin Wadhwani founded the Citizens Association for Child Rights in 2013 after learning about menstrual isolation practices affecting girls.
With UNICEF support, CACR teaches menstruation, reproductive health, nutrition, period pain, sanitary products and safe waste disposal.
CACR’s menstrual health programme has reached more than 1.5 lakh adolescent girls.
Its personal hygiene programme has reached around one lakh children and trained nearly 1,000 teachers.
CACR works with schools, teachers, parents and communities across Mumbai, Thane and Palghar to turn health awareness into lasting habits.
- Who
- The Citizens Association for Child Rights, led by founder-director and CEO Nitin Wadhwani, works with UNICEF, schools, teachers, parents and students.
- What
- CACR runs menstrual health and hygiene and personal hygiene programmes for children and adolescents.
- When
- CACR was established in 2013; UNICEF’s partnership with the organisation has lasted nearly a decade.
- Where
- The programmes operate through government schools across Mumbai, Thane and Palghar.
- Why
- The organisation aims to address menstrual myths, taboos and silence, improve hygiene practices, and turn health awareness into lasting behavioural change.
- Organisation
- Citizens Association for Child Rights (CACR)
- Founder
- Nitin Wadhwani
- Established
- 2013
- Menstrual programme reach
- More than 1.5 lakh adolescent girls
- Personal hygiene programme reach
- Around one lakh children
- Teachers trained
- Nearly 1,000
- Supporter
- UNICEF