Ujaas Empowers Mothers and Daughters in Washim to Break the Silence on Menstrual Health

WASHIM, Maharashtra | 11 March 2026 – Continuing its mission to transform the landscape of menstrual health in rural India, Ujaas, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust Founded by Advaitesha Birla, recently organized the “Let’s Talk Red II” awareness program in Dastapur village, Washim district. The event created a vital platform for 106 adolescent girls and their parents to engage in an open, supportive dialogue regarding menstrual hygiene and emotional well-being.

The gathering was graced by Sarpanch Ms. Pinkey Mujhe and Dastapur Government School Principal Ms. Usha Bodhe, whose presence underscored the community’s commitment to the health of its young girls. Alongside family members, Anganwadi Sevikas and ASHA workers joined the conversation, reinforcing a village-wide support system built on sensitivity and scientific awareness.

A critical focus of the initiative is addressing a staggering reality in Indian society: research indicates that 71% of adolescent girls remain entirely unaware of menstruation until the very day they experience their first period. This lack of preparation often leads to intense fear, confusion, and a significant drop in self-confidence. By leaving girls to navigate this milestone without prior knowledge, communities inadvertently allow uninformed misconceptions and myths to take root. Ujaas works to replace this anxiety with scientific facts, ensuring that a girl’s first experience is met with understanding rather than trauma.

The heart of the program was a dedicated "Mother–Daughter Conversation Circle," designed to break the generational silence that often surrounds puberty. In these sessions, mothers pledged to be the primary support system for their daughters. One mother shared, “I was unaware about menstruation when I was young, but I will take care of you. I will check on your health, support the things you like, and I will not allow anything that makes you feel low.” In a reciprocal gesture of care, a daughter responded, “I will take care of you during your periods too. I will support you when you have period pain and help you so that you can rest.”

To further challenge long-standing taboos, the program utilized creative expression and community engagement. The session began with adolescent girls creating vibrant Rangoli depicting themes of menstrual health, followed by a street play performed by the students. The performance raised awareness about hygienic practices, available period products, and proper nutrition, while directly challenging the myths that often isolate girls during their cycles.

Ujaas continues to create meaningful impact in the region. In the 2025–26 period alone, the initiative has reached 33,348 beneficiaries in Washim, distributing over 58,855 sanitary pads and supporting 15,384 adolescent girls. However, Ujaas goes beyond the distribution of hygiene resources to focus on menstrual health awareness and management. By encouraging open conversations within families and communities, the initiative is helping build supportive environments where girls feel comfortable discussing their health with confidence—ensuring that no girl’s education, wellbeing, or dignity is limited by stigma or lack of information.

About Ujaas

Ujaas, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is committed to driving awareness, breaking stigmas, and providing sustainable solutions for menstrual health and hygiene across India. Through community grassroots activities and manufacturing units, Ujaas empowers women to take charge of their health and their future.