One Month, Three States: Stories of Menstrual Health
Joining Project Baala as an Implementation Associate has been an incredibly enriching experience, full of exploration, new opportunities and pathways. One of the highlights of my journey so far has been my field visits to West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to monitor the work and workshops on the ground. Each location presented unique challenges and learning opportunities, deepening my understanding of the diverse realities surrounding menstrual health and hygiene across India.
My first field visit took me to Darjeeling, where I also conducted my first workshop with women working in the tea plantations and children from Panighata and Naxalbari. This visit offered an eye-opening insight into the struggles faced by these communities. Conversations with the team revealed issues faced by tea plantation workers such as carrying heavy loads for long hours, not being given bathroom breaks during work, and lacking basic facilities like washrooms to change pads. Many workers had their salaries cut for taking leave during menstruation, underscoring the lack of support for women’s health.
I also got to know about the cultural myths that influence the lives of women and young girls in these communities. Restrictions ranged from avoiding temples and kitchens to eating on separate plates and even refraining from touching plants. Despite these challenges, it was heartening to see the women and children engage openly during the workshops. Their willingness to discuss menstruation felt like a step toward breaking the silence that often surrounds this topic. On a personal note, I was also able to explore the beauty of nearby areas, including a visit to Kurseong, which made the trip even more memorable.
My next destination was Rajasthan, specifically Barmer and Amet, where I encountered a contrast to the openness seen in Darjeeling. Here, people were far more hesitant to talk about menstruation. Words like “Kapde wale ka” (cloth-related) and “Ti-Pi” (time-period) were used to refer to menstruation, often shrouded in secrecy. A prevalent myth was that girls are advised not to speak to other girls during their periods. Yet, the dedication of the organizations working in these areas was inspiring. Their efforts to reach the last mile and provide menstrual health education in such an environment demonstrated the power of persistence and passion in driving change. It was interesting to witness how communities are gradually engaging in these crucial conversations.
The last visit was to Amethi and Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, where I was exposed to different challenges and experiences. Despite the difficulties, I saw a strong desire among young girls to learn and talk about menstruation, but they often lacked the platforms and spaces to do so. This experience highlighted the crucial role that passion and dedication play in sustaining the long-term success of these organizations. I also gained a deeper understanding of how deeply political networks and funding influence the operations of NGOs in smaller cities.
These three field visits have been immensely impactful and have broadened my perspective on menstrual health and hygiene in India. The modes of travel- flight to Darjeeling, bus to Rajasthan, and train to Amethi, allowed me to explore the diverse experiences of the communities we reached. Each location offered a distinct window into the lives of the women and girls we worked with, revealing not only their unique challenges but also their shared resilience. It was also fascinating to observe how different founders run their organizations. The varying philosophies and approaches to leadership underscored the importance of passion, which fuels long-term, holistic development in the field of menstrual health. These experiences have been a powerful reminder of why I embarked on this journey- to contribute to meaningful change, one community at a time.
About the Author
Nitika Sarawagi is an Implementation Associate at Project Baala. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from Christ University, Bangalore. Nitika is focused on evaluating and improving outreach interventions with real-world relevance. Her mission is to foster a culture of well-being and make a meaningful impact through her work.
