Maharashtra, August 21, 2023: In a groundbreaking effort to address the significant challenges faced by young women in rural India, Ujaas, a social initiative by Aditya Birla Education Trust, partnered with CRY (Child Rights and You) to conduct transformative workshops on menstrual health and hygiene for 3162 girls and boys aged 10 to 16 in Maharashtra.
The collaborative workshops, part of the campaign “Let’s Talk About It! Period,” aimed to build menstrual health awareness among children. These workshops, conducted across 6 districts of rural Maharashtra, led to remarkable outcomes. A 46% increase was observed in young girls gaining comprehensive knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene, while a significant 56% broke free from harmful taboos that have constrained them for generations.
Advaitesha Birla, Founder of Ujaas, expressed, “The findings from these workshops in association with CRY have highlighted the urgent need to address menstrual health and hygiene across India, especially in rural areas. We are immensely proud of the impact our collaboration has had on these young girls and boys, helping them embrace their menstrual health with confidence and dignity. Our commitment to this cause remains steadfast as we work towards ensuring accurate information and supportive environments for every girl in India.”
Ujaas and CRY are determined to continue their efforts to bring about lasting change in the lives of rural girls. By investing in the future of these young women, they aim to foster a society that embraces menstrual health as a natural and vital aspect of women’s lives.
Key Findings:
- 72% of girls aged 10-13 are unaware or uneducated about menstrual awareness and hygiene.
- Around 40% of girls aged 10-16 believe that menstruation is not a natural occurrence.
- Nearly 75% believe that females release toxic waste during menstruation, when in fact it is blood.
- Approximately 66% of boys and girls believe menstruation makes females impure.
Impact through the Workshop:
- A significant 46% increase in awareness regarding menstrual health and hygiene among 10-13 year students.
- 25% now understand and embrace menstruation as a natural bodily process.
- An impressive 62% of girls were educated about and dispelled misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
- A remarkable 56% have bravely shed the stigma and taboo associated with menstruation.
About Ujaas:
Ujaas, an initiative by Aditya Birla Education Trust, aims to create a positive and sustainable impact in the menstrual health landscape in India. It seeks to reduce period poverty and empower adolescent girls and women to adopt effective menstrual health and hygiene management practices. Ujaas addresses problems related to the affordability of sanitary products and sustainability through distribution channels and awareness campaigns. The initiative recognizes that menstrual health is a significant yet often overlooked challenge that impacts public health and hinders progressive nation-building.
