Recently, with the invaluable support of friends and family, I organized an educational gathering for girls in the “Deepa Nagar” community. This community predominantly comprises daily wage workers living in government-subsidized housing. Our primary goal was to impart essential knowledge about hygiene, focusing specifically on the correct usage and disposal of sanitary pads. To encourage attendance, we offered an incentive: free sanitary pads for three months to all participants.

However, the event didn’t unfold as we had hoped. The girls I had trained to lead the gathering reported disappointingly low attendance. Many of them were unable to attend due to parental reluctance. In this community, discussing menstrual health is often considered taboo. It’s viewed as a sensitive topic associated with impurity, making it challenging to broach openly.

This experience left me reflecting deeply on the cultural barriers and stigmas surrounding menstrual health in our society. It’s disheartening to see such critical issues being overshadowed by age-old taboos. Yet, despite the setbacks, I remain hopeful and determined. Initiatives like these may face initial resistance, but they plant the seeds for change.

The silver lining was the dialogue it initiated within the community. It’s a small step, but I believe that with continued efforts and education, we can break down these barriers. We can create an environment where menstrual health is no longer shrouded in secrecy but openly discussed and understood.