Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Drive by Nivedan Foundation

Author: Nivedan

Date: September 27, 2025

Read Time: 3 Min

The Nivedan Foundation Unit of Indraprastha College for Women (IPCW) conducted a Menstrual Hygiene and Taboo Awareness Drive at Seva Bharti Kendra, with the aim of breaking long-standing silences and empowering women through knowledge and dialogue. The drive was part of the unit’s continuous commitment to social outreach and women’s welfare, focusing on creating awareness about menstrual health, hygiene practices, and the harmful effects of taboos that continue to surround menstruation. The session began with an interactive discussion, where participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences and beliefs about menstruation. Many women and girls from the local community came forward to speak about the restrictions they face — being kept out of kitchens, temples, and social gatherings — and the shame often associated with menstruation. Volunteers patiently addressed these concerns, explaining the scientific and biological reality of menstruation, emphasizing that it is a natural process and an essential indicator of women’s reproductive health. The conversation gradually evolved from hesitation to openness, transforming the space into one filled with understanding, empathy, and collective learning. Volunteers also demonstrated correct menstrual hygiene practices, stressing the importance of using clean sanitary materials, changing them at regular intervals, and maintaining personal hygiene to prevent infections. Alongside this, the team introduced sustainable menstrual alternatives such as reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups, explaining their benefits for both health and the environment. Visual aids and simple language were used to ensure clarity and inclusivity, enabling every participant to relate and understand. The discussion on myths and superstitions proved particularly impactful, as volunteers debunked common misconceptions with facts and sensitivity, encouraging women to challenge stigma within their families and communities. The response from the women at Seva Bharti was overwhelmingly positive. Many asked questions, expressed gratitude, and shared that they had never before been given the chance to talk about these issues so openly. The event concluded with an emotional yet empowering reflection, where participants voiced their determination to spread this awareness to other women in their neighborhoods. For the volunteers of the Nivedan Foundation Unit, the drive was not just an act of service but a learning experience that deepened their understanding of how deeply social taboos affect everyday lives. It reinforced the belief that real change begins with education, empathy, and conversation. The Menstrual Hygiene and Taboo Awareness Drive at Seva Bharti, Kirti Nagar stood as a testament to the power of community engagement and youth-led initiatives. By transforming stigma into strength and silence into dialogue, the Nivedan Foundation Unit of IPCW continues to uphold its vision of building an informed, confident, and compassionate society — one where menstruation is no longer whispered about in shame, but spoken of with pride and awareness.