Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Ujaas, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, marks a significant milestone in its mission to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. Guided by the vision of Ms. Advaitesha Birla, the Founder of Ujaas, the initiative is poised to bring positive change and empowerment to the vibrant state of Goa. Collaborating with the esteemed local NGO partner, Sahyadri Foundation, Ujaas has launched the first phase of its engagement, reaching out comprehensively to adolescent girls and women through local schools, colleges, and local communities in Goa.
This strategic partnership signifies the initiation of a year-long campaign, showcasing Ujaas’ unwavering commitment to work closely with the community through Sahyadri Foundation in Goa. Together, they aim to actively drive awareness, dismantle taboos, and foster positive conversations around menstrual health and hygiene throughout the region.
As part of this outreach, Ujaas will also collect critical data about the diverse cultures, practices, and beliefs surrounding menstruation in the state. This data will undergo thorough analysis to identify practical interventions and solutions, addressing period poverty and challenging the myths and stigmas associated with menstruation. As the year unfolds, the impact of this collaborative campaign is expected to be profound, leaving a lasting impression on the menstrual health landscape in Goa and its various cities
The ‘Ujaas Menstrual Health Express’ is a unique initiative, the first of its kind in India, designed to cover 25 states and 107 cities, spanning over 20,000 kilometres. At the heart of the initiative lies the specially designed Menstrual Health Express Van that will navigate diverse regions and communities, engaging with local NGOs to gain insights into the rich tapestry of cultures, practices, and beliefs surrounding menstruation.
In collaboration with local NGOs, the initiative aims to distribute over 250,000 menstrual pads nationwide as part of its comprehensive campaign – reflecting Ujaas’ unwavering commitment to addressing menstrual health challenges, empowering women, and creating a positive impact within communities.
Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Advaitesha Birla, Founder of Ujaas emphasised, “The Ujaas Menstrual Health Express is not just a van; it is a symbol of change, breaking barriers, and fostering a society where menstrual health is a right, not a taboo. In Goa we have reached out to schools and communities driving awareness for
menstrual health and hygiene through interactive street plays and informative awareness workshops delivered by trained professionals. We are thrilled to bring this initiative to Goa and engage with the local to further our mission. Through our conversations with girls in school we have identified that in Goa too practices such as not entering the kitchen or not touching the utensil are practiced in some household.”
Ujaas invites the media, community leaders, and the public to join hands in supporting this transformative initiative and contribute towards building a society that is more informed, aware, and supportive of menstrual health and hygiene.
