In a world where taboos often stifle critical conversations, Swati Bedekar from Vadodara chose to confront them head-on—with courage, clarity, and a resolve to bring a change. Disturbed by the unhygienic conditions women endured during menstruation—and the countless school days missed by girls due to lack of access to sanitary products—she launched Sakhi to create low-cost, biodegradable sanitary pads. Sakhi began in the villages of Dahod, Gujarat, and has since grown into a nationwide movement improving menstrual hygiene and empowering women through local pad manufacturing units.
Swati’s story now finds a wider canvas as part of Hausla Talks, an initiative by Kotak Mahindra Bank that celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of belief, boldness, and the drive to act against the odds. Through Hausla Talks, Kotak not only highlights such inspiring journeys of real people but also signals its intent to walk alongside those driving change—supporting their vision, their ventures, and their verve.
Swati’s work was born from necessity and nurtured by conviction. What started as a grassroots effort for rural Gujarat has today spread its branches to at least 1,180 production units in India, Zimbabwe, and Jordan, transforming not just hygiene standards but livelihoods and confidence among women and local communities.
Through training and decentralised production, Sakhi has enabled thousands of rural women to become financially independent while creating awareness about menstrual health. It is a model rooted in sustainability, empowerment, and grassroots innovation—an embodiment of what it means to lead with purpose and resilience.
Swati’s inclusion in Hausla Talks aligns with Kotak Mahindra Bank’s new brand philosophy, ‘Hausla Hai Toh Ho Jayega’—a call to action for those who dare to dream and do. The campaign celebrates changemakers like Swati, whose courage fuels both a person’s growth and development of a society, an entire community.
“Kotak’s ‘Hausla Talks’ initiative is about spotlighting those who didn’t wait for change—they created it. Swati’s journey reflects the true spirit of ‘Hausla Hai Toh Ho Jayega’, and we are proud to feature her as someone whose courage continues to uplift and inspire,” said KedarswamyRavangave, Executive Vice President – Marketing, Kotak Mahindra Bank.
As Hausla Talks unfolds, it seeks to spark conversations and fuel aspirations around stories like Swati’s that prove belief backed by resolve can indeed make the world a better place.
