blood on the leaves (2018) is a photo project about the state of reproductive health of tea pickers in assam, india, which accounts for more than 50 percent of the country’s total tea production.

women make up a majority of the workforce in these tea gardens, though their working conditions create disproportionate hygiene and health challenges.

some of the women interviewed alleged that the plantation owners would ration water supplies for plants, preventing water use for restrooms. the women, who work long hours in the tea plantations, have been forgoing using the toilets, particularly during their menstrual period.

over the last decade, sikun relief foundation, an assamese nonprofit has been offering menstrual hygiene and reproductive health workshops to hundreds of women across assam, including in these tea gardens. in these workshops, women learn what their uterus may look like, what causes menstrual cramps and bleeding, and how to wash their hands effectively. they also spend a lot of time discussing strategies to advocate for better healthcare and conditions in the tea gardens.