In India, where menstruation is still considered a taboo subject in many households, young girls often enter puberty with incomplete, incorrect, or harmful information. For many, the onset of menstruation marks not only a biological change but a sudden onset of shame, stigma, and silence. According to a 2022 report by UNICEF, 1 in 5 girls in India drops out of school after getting her period, and a further 71% are unaware of menstruation until their first cycle (UNICEF, 2022).
Mental health, already a fragile subject in the broader education system is seldom part of the menstrual conversation. And yet, the two are deeply intertwined: for adolescents, menstruation can trigger emotional overwhelm, anxiety, shame, and fear, especially in environments where such conversations are absent or discouraged.
Against this backdrop, Melton Foundation India, in collaboration with Artemis Society and Mind Matters, facilitated two impactful Menstrual and Mental Health Awareness Sessions in Bangalore one at Mahila Mandali in Basavanagudi, and another at Ashoka Shishu Vihara in Chamrajpet. Supported by the Melton Foundation Action Grants, these workshops went beyond hygiene and biology, they fostered courageous conversations that combined science, self-awareness, and solidarity.
The initiative was co-led by Anubhuti A.N., a Melton Fellow and co-founder of the Artemis Society, whose work centers on creating safe and empowering spaces for girls to learn about their bodies, mental health, and rights.
Where Empathy Meets Education
Rather than lectures, these sessions were designed as safe, interactive spaces, where girls could explore their bodies and emotions through guided conversation, storytelling, and participatory dialogue.
Facilitators from Mind Matters addressed the psychological shifts that often accompany menstruation, mood swings, social anxiety, and emotional sensitivity, normalizing them as part of a biological and psychological rhythm. Girls were gently encouraged to reflect on their mental states during their periods, identify changes, and embrace tools to cope: journaling, hydration, sleep, and support systems.
At the same time, the science of menstruation was demystified. With clarity and sensitivity, the biological process was explained in a way that was accessible, factual, and stigma-free. From ovulation and hormonal shifts to why cramps occur and how the cycle works, students received a foundational understanding of their bodies, a kind of knowledge many had never been offered in formal settings.
This dual-pronged approach, normalizing emotions and demystifying biology, proved powerful. Girls not only asked bold questions but also expressed deep relief. They were finally being given permission to understand themselves.
Dismantling Myths, One Conversation at a Time
The sessions also tackled longstanding myths and taboos around menstruation, many of which still prevent girls from participating fully in school, sports, and daily life. Beliefs such as “don’t enter the kitchen,” “don’t touch pickles,” “you are impure,” were raised and unpacked.
This is not a small feat. A study in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine reported that over 70% of adolescent girls in India consider menstruation a “dirty” process, while 23% are restricted from religious or household activities during their periods (IJCM, 2011).
By naming these myths and countering them with science and empathy, the facilitators helped students begin a journey of unlearning internalized shame and reframing menstruation as natural—not something to conceal, but something to understand.
Practical Wisdom for Sustainable Impact
Beyond awareness and discussion, the sessions emphasized practical, actionable knowledge. Students learned about:
Proper hygiene practices (changing sanitary products regularly, washing properly, and tracking cycles)
Product choice and use, including pads and reusable options
Peer empathy, encouraging open communication with classmates or sisters going through similar experiences
Visual slides, real-life analogies, and a conversational tone ensured that students not only retained the information but could pass it on. Indeed, some students shared post-session that they felt empowered to talk to their younger siblings or friends, multiplying the impact of the session through community dialogue.
The Power of Youth-Led, Locally Rooted Action
What made these sessions particularly meaningful was the community-driven approach. The initiative was led and co-facilitated by Melton Fellows from India, including Anubhuti A.N., a passionate student leader and co-founder of the Artemis Society, a grassroots organization working at the intersection of gender, education, and empowerment.
Anubhuti brings a powerful blend of personal commitment and global exposure to her work. She is a Melton Fellow, Nutanix WIT Scholar, HPAIR 2023 delegate, and a former GDSC Lead, among many other accolades. Through Artemis Society, she aims to create learning ecosystems where girls feel safe, seen, and supported, especially when navigating topics like menstruation, sexuality, and mental health.
Looking Ahead: From Stigma to Strength
Across both sessions, over 50 students engaged in open, affirming conversations about menstruation and mental health. But more than the numbers, it’s the shift in mindset that marked success. Students left with clarity, confidence, and a sense of connection, not just to the information, but to one another.
As India continues its journey toward gender equity, intersectional, community-rooted education like this is more vital than ever. These sessions weren’t large-scale campaigns, but they were deeply personal interventions. They didn’t rely on slogans. They relied on truth, empathy, and the courage to listen.
And that may be the most powerful kind of change we can make.
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