When my youngest daughter, Advaitesha and I discussed the foundation of Ujaas, the reflections and findings shared by those engaged on the ground helped us uncover an aspect that is frequently overlooked. At its core, Ujaas is about fostering awareness and empowerment, focusing on equipping adolescent girls and women with the tools to navigate menstrual health and hygiene confidently. We realised that while women bore the brunt of menstruation-related challenges, men, who happen to be key stakeholders in the process, were often left out of the conversation entirely.
Ujaas evolved out of a realisation that meaningful change requires inclusive conversations. With a focus on creating spaces where everyone, men and women alike, can engage openly, Ujaas aims to bridge the gap in awareness around menstruation. Despite their central role in shaping attitudes and providing support, men rarely had access to the kind of education or dialogue needed to understand menstruation. This gap became impossible to ignore, and it was clear that addressing only part of the challenge would limit progress. Ujaas emphasises work at the grassroots, where even the smallest changes emerging from community-driven awareness can create ripples of lasting impact.
Ujaas saw remarkable engagement from men, with participation in Self-Help Group (SHG) sessions having seen a growth of 8% in FY 2023-24. These sessions delve into the nuanced roles men can embody, not as passive observers but as active supporters. With a total reach of 6 lakh individuals, Ujaas sensitised over 40,000 men, inspiring them to adopt a more empathetic perspective toward the women around them. Over time, we noticed changes taking shape, awkward silences replaced by thoughtful discussions, and moments of hesitation giving way to quiet acts of understanding.
The real impact comes from individuals who internalise this understanding and quietly bring it to life within their communities. Take Hasam's scenario, for example. In Haryana, 26-year-old Hasam found his own way to address misconceptions. With support from Ujaas, he and his team created street plays that spoke directly to young audiences. These performances opened doors to conversations about menstruation that many would have otherwise avoided, encouraging curiosity and new perspectives on a topic that is often kept out of view.
In Gujarat's Banaskantha district, Sachin Panada was raised in a milieu where discussions surrounding menstruation were largely absent. Inspired by an Ujaas session, he began speaking with local elders and encouraging the use of sanitary pads, sowing the seeds of a more progressive and open-minded community outlook.
These pursuits served as a catalyst for open discussions about menstruation. Sachin and Hasam's stories became a spark within their own families. The women in the family, who had always felt hesitant to talk about menstruation, began an open conversation and shared insights from their own experiences, bringing light to something that had long remained in the shadows.