Breaking the silo: from hesitation to confidence

27/05/26

Success Stories

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“When girls are given the right information and a safe space to speak, silence turns into strength.”

At Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls’ School in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, menstruation was once a subject wrapped in silence. Many adolescent girls carried doubts, fears, and misinformation, and were hesitant to discuss a natural biological process openly. Social taboos often prevented conversations around menstrual health, leaving girls without the confidence or knowledge to manage it safely.

Recognizing this challenge, Bal Raksha Bharat, through the Kenvue-supported Sakhi Initiative to Secure Her Future, project, introduced regular menstrual health awareness sessions to create a safe and supportive environment for adolescent girls. Interactive discussions, visual learning materials, chart-based activities, and educational videos helped demystify menstruation and build understanding around hygiene, nutrition, and the safe use and disposal of menstrual products.

Over time, change began to unfold. Girls who once avoided conversations around menstruation started asking questions, participating in discussions, and supporting one another. Students such as Manu, Suman, Anita, and Mushkan gradually transformed from hesitant learners into confident peer champions, sharing their knowledge with younger students and encouraging open dialogue within the school community.

The ripple effect extended beyond individual awareness. Weekly menstrual health sessions led by Sakhi Club students fostered a culture of openness, helping reduce stigma and normalize conversations around menstrual health. What began as an awareness intervention evolved into a movement of confidence, dignity, and peer leadership—demonstrating that when girls are informed and empowered, they become advocates for change in their own communities.

Gaurav Sharma

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“I am an editor and technical specialist at Bal Raksha Bharat, responsible for publishing articles and posts. My role involves evaluating content for consistency, and ensuring a positive user experience across the website."