Menstrual page

×

Gunjan Patidar — A Youth Champion Transforming Her Community

“Gunjan’s Voice is breaking the numbing silence around Periods”

In the tribal heartland of Dungarpur, Rajasthan, a quiet revolution is being led by a spirited young girl — Gunjan Patidar, a passionate participant of Bal Raksha Bharat’s Dream Accelerator Project. Gunjan is not just a learner; she is a doer, a change-maker and a ray of hope for her community.

As a Child Champion, Gunjan took the lead in organizing an impactful awareness rally under the Micro Projects initiative that she is presently leading. With determination and compassion, she mobilized children and youth around the theme “Support Girls—Raise Menstrual Awareness,” breaking age-old taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene. The practice of ostracizing girls and women during those critical days, have always haunted young Gunjan and her friends. It especially touched her, when she was not allowed to even touch the bottles of pickle that were kept at home, leaving apart going to temples, field to play with her friends etc. This enraged the little mind to make sure that everyone should know about menstrual health in details and how important it is to maintain cleanliness. “I have observed, that some of my friends, remained absent from their regular classes, when they have periods! Ours being a co-education school, we had advocated for separate toilets for us…so that all my friends can attend school regularly”, mentions Gunjan.

From very early life, Gunjan could realise that involvement of boys in her school is equally important to increase awareness and break the age-old taboos and silence around this natural physiological process. This very idea, ‘Marching through village streets’ with placards and powerful slogans, like ‘Chuppi Todo’ (Break the Silence). Gunjan and her peers encouraged open conversations on menstruation, menstrual health and hygiene — a subject often cloaked in silence. They also talked among peers about the importance of using clean sanitary napkins and maintaining hygiene during period.

“When I first learned about menstrual hygiene and rights, I knew I had to speak up for the girls in my village. We deserve dignity, health and respect,” said Gunjan with conviction.

The rallies, infused with youthful energy and purpose, was met with overwhelming community participation. It not only fostered awareness about menstrual hygiene but also created a safe space for girls to share their experiences and concerns.

Gunjan’s leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of child rights and empathy for those around her. This was evident when she noticed a close friend in distress, especially during the days when she mentrualtes. Using the skills she gained through training sessions in emotional support, she reached out for her friend’s support.

Instead of staying silent, Gunjan took action. She reached out to a Bal Raksha Bharat field worker and facilitated immediate support for her friend’s family. With the help of local leaders, ward members and the village Sarpanch, the children started coming to school regularly, given access to essential resources and provided a safe and nurturing environment.

“I couldn’t just walk away. If we know what’s right, we must act. That’s what being a child leader means to me,” Gunjan shared.

Her story is not just about awareness, but also about action. Gunjan’s proactive stance has inspired many other young people in her village to come forward, speak out and be part of the change.
Her voice echoes with power and purpose — reminding everyone that when children are equipped with knowledge and courage, they become unstoppable forces of transformation.

Gunjan Patidar stands as a shining example of how awareness, when combined with empathy and action, can lead to lasting change. Her journey continues to inspire a generation of young advocates who are ready to reshape their communities for the better.

#GirlsLeadTheWay #DreamAcceleratorProject #ChildChampions #MenstrualHealthMatters #GunjanTheChangemaker

×

Breaking the Silence: Meena’s Journey to Menstrual Health and Awareness

“I Thought Falling Sick Was Normal, Until I Learned the Truth”

Meena Devi, a 14-year-old girl from Rampur village in the Jamunaha block of Shravasti district, had always listened to her mother’s advice. When she experienced her first period, her mother, Sunita, guided her to use cloth, just as generations of women in their family had done. Meena followed her mother’s instructions without question, believing it to be the only way.

However, over time, Meena started falling sick frequently. She often suffered from fever and discomfort, but she never understood the connection between her health and her menstrual hygiene. Her parents, Vikram and Sunita, grew increasingly worried and took her to the local doctor several times. Yet, Meena, too embarrassed to speak about her menstrual issues, only mentioned her fever, receiving medicines that provided temporary relief but never addressed the root cause.

One day, a team from Bal Raksha Bharat visited Meena’s home as part of their regular outreach efforts. During their conversation with the family, they learned about Meena’s frequent illnesses. Sensing that there might be more to the issue, they sought permission to speak privately with her. When asked about her menstrual cycle, Meena hesitated and remained silent, unsure of what to share.

Understanding her discomfort, the team invited Meena to one of their weekly youth meetings in the village. Encouraged by the presence of other girls, Meena gathered the courage to attend. During the session, the representatives openly discussed menstruation, hygiene practices, and the importance of using sanitary pads or clean cotton cloths that should be changed regularly. They also educated the girls about the role of proper nutrition in maintaining menstrual health.

As Meena listened, she slowly began to connect the dots. “I never knew that the way I was managing my period could make me sick. I thought feeling unwell was just part of being a girl,” she shared. With this newfound knowledge, Meena decided to follow the advice given in the session. She started using clean sanitary materials and maintained proper hygiene. Within a month, her health improved significantly—her fevers stopped, and she felt stronger and more energetic.

Empowered by her transformation, Meena did not keep this knowledge to herself. She actively participated in further discussions, sharing her experience with other girls in her village. “If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have suffered for so long. Now, I want to make sure no girl in my village has to go through what I did,” she says with determination.

Her parents, especially her mother, expressed deep gratitude to the Bal Raksha Bharat team. “We were unaware that something so simple could affect our daughter’s health so much. Thanks to their support, Meena is healthy and confident now,” said Sunita with a relieved smile.

Meena’s journey is a testament to the power of education and awareness. By breaking the silence surrounding menstruation, she not only improved her own well-being but also became a changemaker in her community. Her story is a reminder that when girls are given the right knowledge and support, they can lead healthier, happier lives and empower others along the way.

×

Sonam Behera: Empowering Women and Girls by Promoting Health and Hygiene Practice

In Suradei Village, Khajuripada Block, Sonam Behera stands as a beacon of empowerment and change, tirelessly working to improve health and hygiene practices in her community. An MSW student at Aryan College, Sonam has channeled her education and passion into becoming a strong advocate for menstrual and personal hygiene.

Sonam’s advocacy work began with a deep-rooted belief in the power of education to create lasting change. Through community meetings, adolescent gatherings, SHG sessions, and major events like Girls’ Child Day and Child Rights Week, Sonam raised awareness about personal hygiene and menstrual health. She emphasized the importance of using sanitary napkins and maintaining proper hygiene, advocating for these practices as crucial steps in improving women’s and girls’ health.

“My mission is simple: to ensure that every girl and woman in my community feels empowered to make informed decisions about their health and hygiene,” Sonam shares with a focused determination.
Her efforts have resulted in measurable improvements in the community, with adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers now regularly using sanitary napkins. This shift is not only enhancing health outcomes but also challenging long-held taboos surrounding menstruation.

Sonam’s partnership with local initiatives like the Adwika program has amplified her impact, fostering a collaborative approach to health and hygiene education. As a result, Sonam has earned the respect of her community and is now a recognized leader, inspiring women and girls to take control of their health and live informed, empowered lives.

“Empowering women and girls with knowledge about their bodies is the first step towards creating a healthier, more confident community,” says Sonam, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of education and awareness.

Sonam Behera’s journey serves as a reminder that one individual’s passion and commitment can ignite a powerful movement for change, leading to healthier and more informed communities. Through her advocacy, she is shaping a brighter, more empowered future for the women and girls of Suradei Village.