Bengaluru – January 17, 2024 – 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 in the state of Karnataka. Collaborating with the esteemed local NGO partner, Action initiative for development (AID), Ujaas has launched the first phase of its engagement, reaching out comprehensively to adolescent girls and women through local schools, orphanages and government run colleges, girls hostel and local communities. This strategic partnership signifies the initiation of a year-long campaign, showcasing Ujaas’ unwavering commitment to work closely with the community through AID in Karnataka. Together, they aim to actively drive awareness, dismantle taboos, and foster positive conversations around menstrual health and hygiene throughout the region. In the first phase of the campaign the Ujaas team undertook age appropriate awareness sessions on menstrual health and Hygiene management as well as distributed Sanitary napkins
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 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 Karnataka 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 travelled by road. 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 the state of Karnataka, we have reached out to schools, hostels, government run colleges and local communities driving awareness for menstrual health and hygiene through informative age appropriate awareness workshops delivered by trained professionals.
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.
