Change isn’t always monumental—it often starts with a simple gesture. This Raksha Bandhan, in our Mangalwar Peth community, a quiet yet powerful story unfolded. Vedant, a 10-year-old boy, gifted his teenage sister a menstrual cup. Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Indian festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion of deep-rooted cultural significance, sisters tie a decorative thread, or rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love, protection, and goodwill. In return, brothers give gifts and pledge to protect and support their sisters throughout life.
The menstrual cup gifted by Vedant wasn’t just a gift; it was a symbol of acceptance, understanding, and breaking the stigma around menstrual health. What makes this story even more remarkable is that Vedant’s mother, Ashwini Didi—our first ever Community Mobiliser—played a pivotal role in fostering this awareness within her family and community.
This moment represents years of work by Badlaav SRF. Just two years ago, before Badlaav introduced its first community mobilisation model in Mangalwar Peth in Pune, discussions about menstrual health in this community were met with hesitation, embarrassment, or silence. Today, thanks to consistent workshops, and open conversations, the community is gradually beginning to embrace sustainable menstrual practices.
The Unspoken Stigma Around Menstruation in India
In India, menstrual health remains a sensitive and often taboo topic. According to a 2022 study, 71% of adolescent girls in the country are unaware of menstruation until their first period. This lack of awareness perpetuates myths and prevents girls from accessing proper hygiene products or even attending school during their periods. Alarmingly, 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to inadequate menstrual health management facilities and the stigma surrounding menstruation.
The situation isn’t just about lack of products; it’s about ingrained societal attitudes. From the belief that menstruating women are “impure” to the silence that surrounds conversations about periods, these cultural norms severely limit women’s autonomy and dignity. The change we’re witnessing in Mangalwar Peth is a powerful reminder that these stigmas can be dismantled — as long as communities work together.
Breaking Barriers: Involving Boys in the Conversation
One of the biggest steps toward normalizing menstrual health is involving boys and men. Traditionally, menstrual health has been seen as a “women-only” issue, but we believe that true change happens when the entire community is engaged. Vedant’s gesture is a testament to this. Through our workshops, boys like him are learning to view menstruation as a natural process, free from shame or taboo.
Our Project SAKSHAM has included boys in discussions about menstrual health, teaching them not just the science behind menstruation but also how they can be supportive allies. This inclusive approach is crucial for fostering a culture where menstruation is openly discussed and normalized, both at home and in schools.
What Makes Badlaav SRF’s Approach Unique?
At Badlaav SRF, we believe that change happens at the grassroots level. Here’s how we’re making an impact:
- Educational Workshops:
- Under Project SAKSHAM, we conduct interactive sessions in schools and communities, educating both girls and boys about menstrual health.
- Topics range from understanding puberty to sustainable menstrual practices, busting myths, and fostering open dialogue.
- Sustainable Menstrual Products:
- We partner with organizations like Ecofemme to distribute menstrual cups and reusable pads. These products are not just eco-friendly but also more affordable for low-income families.
- Community Mobilisers:
- We have a team of 6 community mobilizers who ensure that knowledge and resources reach the most vulnerable populations. Their work has been instrumental in building trust and facilitating behavioral change.
- Collaborations:
- We’ve joined forces with Pune Ploggers and Global Shapers Community Pune to expand our reach. This collaboration has enabled us to conduct workshops in over 100 schools, reaching thousands of students.
Why Your Voice Matters
Vedant’s story is just one among many, but we know there are countless others waiting to be told. At Badlaav, we’re not just creating change — we’re amplifying it. If you or someone you know has witnessed a transformation in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Your stories could inspire others to take that first step toward change.
Join the Movement
We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether it’s by sharing your story, volunteering, or donating, every small act contributes to a larger impact. Here’s how you can help:
Share Your Story: Submit your own Badlaav Ki Kahaaniyaan at contact@badlaavsrfoundation.org.
Change, as Vedant showed us, begins at home. It begins with a gift, a conversation, a willingness to challenge norms. Let’s take inspiration from this young boy and his family to continue the work of dismantling menstrual stigma. Together, we can make menstrual health a conversation everyone participates in—breaking the stigma and creating a more inclusive future.
Volunteer: Become a mentor in our menstrual health programs.
Donate: Help us reach more communities with sustainable menstrual products.
Read more about our initiatives and share your story here.
Let’s create a world where menstruation is no longer a taboo, but a topic of empowerment and pride.
