Every Day is a New Opportunity to Learn and Grow
I had the perfect opportunity to explore new horizons and contribute towards making a tangible difference in society through my association with Team Baala. On my very first day in the field, I stood before an audience of 300 young girls, all seated and looking up at us with hope and curiosity in their eyes. These were expressions that conveyed an eagerness to learn and grow from what we had to offer, especially on a subject that society often avoids addressing — menstrual health and hygiene. This moment made me realize the depth of responsibility we carried and how impactful our efforts could be in breaking long-standing taboos.
As part of my role, I conducted workshops in government schools, primarily engaging with female teachers, parents, and even students. I clearly remember my first workshop, where I was tasked with solely leading the session. Initially, I was nervous and apprehensive about speaking on such a sensitive topic. However, once I began, the confidence I gained felt natural, and the 40 minutes that initially seemed challenging flew by seamlessly. That first successful experience became a stepping stone for many more impactful workshops.
Over the course of my journey with Team Baala, I conducted a total of 10 workshops in various government schools in Noida. Each workshop hosted nearly 100 female teachers. These experiences were nothing short of transformative for me, both personally and professionally. Standing alone in front of a room filled with 90+ female educators, I facilitated discussions about menstruation — a topic masked in misconceptions and societal taboos. Hearing their stories, insights, and struggles made me realize how far we have come in societal progress, yet how deeply rooted some regressive beliefs remain, even in a rapidly evolving world.
During these sessions, I introduced the concept of menstrual cups, explaining their usage, health benefits, sustainability aspects, and environmental advantages. My goal was to not only inform but also inspire them to think critically about the choices available for menstrual hygiene. The reactions varied — some women were intrigued, others hesitant, and a few were genuinely amazed by the potential of this sustainable alternative. Every session became a platform for open dialogue, breaking the silence around menstruation and providing a safe space for questions that had long been ignored.
What truly stood out to me was the overwhelming response I received after each session. Women shared their personal experiences about menstruation, menopause, and the cultural taboos they had faced. These candid interactions made every session unique and rewarding. For many, this was their first opportunity to openly discuss such topics without fear of judgment. Their feedback, questions, and diverse perspectives not only enriched my understanding but also reinforced the importance of this work.
By the end of this Project, I had grown significantly in confidence, empathy, and leadership skills. Engaging with hundreds of women, guiding them through a subject that had long been shrouded in silence, and seeing their perspectives shift, even slightly, was incredibly fulfilling. This experience taught me the power of education and dialogue in driving societal change. It also deepened my belief in the importance of creating spaces where conversations about health, hygiene, and empowerment can thrive without stigma.
Currently, I am working with 10,000 girls across various schools in Noida, continuing my journey to create awareness and foster positive change in menstrual health and hygiene. Revisiting the schools where I had previously conducted workshops with teachers turned out to be an incredibly humbling and fulfilling experience. To my surprise and delight, several teachers recognized me and shared their positive feedback about their experiences with menstrual cups.
Hearing from these Teachers about how they had embraced the change, encouraged others, and even integrated the knowledge into their discussions with students and colleagues felt like a profound acknowledgment of the impact we were making together. It was a reminder that even small steps can lead to significant shifts in attitudes and practices.
This recognition was not just a personal milestone but a testament to the hard work, dedication, and consistent effort I had put into building a better and more informed society. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and awareness to break taboos and promote sustainable, health-conscious practices. Knowing that the seeds of change I had sown were bearing fruit was deeply rewarding and inspired me to continue pushing forward with even greater determination.
Every day in this role was a step forward — not just for me but also for the communities we reached. Together, we broke barriers, challenged taboos, and planted the seeds for a more informed and open society. I will forever cherish this experience as a defining chapter of my personal and professional growth.
About the Author
Vaishnavi Solanki is a legal professional and social advocate with a BBA LLB degree from Symbiosis Law School, Noida. Currently Volunteering with Project Baala, she leads initiatives to promote menstrual health and hygiene, reaching thousands of women and challenging societal taboos. Her work combines legal expertise with a passion for creating social impact.
She enjoys painting, exploring diverse cultures, and engaging in meaningful discussions about social issues in her free time. She aspires to continue making a positive difference in society through her work and advocacy.
