Menstrupedia: Talking periods through stories and smiles
In many parts of the world, periods are still a taboo topic. Many young girls and women are left to navigate the complexities of menstruation on their own, without proper guidance or support. However, there is a growing movement to break this silence and make conversations about periods more natural and stigma-free. One such initiative is Menstrupedia, a pioneering platform that uses comics to educate young minds about puberty and menstruation.
Born in Gujarat, Menstrupedia was founded by Aditi Gupta and Tuhin Paul in 2013. Today, it has reached over 25,500 schools and several countries, making it a leading name in the field of menstrual education. The platform’s unique approach to tackling a sensitive topic has earned it recognition and praise from governments, organizations, and individuals around the world.
Menstrupedia’s Story
Aditi Gupta, the co-founder of Menstrupedia, was inspired to create the platform after her own experience of struggling to understand menstruation as a young girl. “I remember feeling embarrassed and ashamed when I got my first period,” she recalls. “I didn’t know what was happening to my body, and I didn’t know how to talk about it. I felt like I was alone in this experience.”
Gupta’s experience was not unique. Many girls and women around the world face similar challenges when it comes to menstruation. They may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or embarrassed to talk about it, and they may not have access to proper information or support. This lack of knowledge and support can lead to a range of negative consequences, including anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems.
Determined to change this narrative, Gupta and Paul created Menstrupedia. They set out to create a platform that would make conversations about periods more natural and stigma-free. They developed a range of comics, cartoons, and illustrations that would explain complex topics like puberty, menstruation, and sexual health in a way that was easy to understand and relatable.
The response was overwhelming. Girls and women from all over the world reached out to Menstrupedia, thanking them for providing a safe and supportive space to talk about their experiences. Parents and educators also praised the platform, saying that it had helped to reduce stigma and increase confidence among young girls.
State Partnerships and Global Workshops
Menstrupedia’s impact was not limited to individual stories. The platform also partnered with state governments and organizations to spread its message and reach a wider audience. In 2016, Menstrupedia partnered with the government of Gujarat to launch a comprehensive menstrual education program. The program included workshops, comics, and educational materials that were designed to reach over 10 million school-going girls.
The program was a huge success. Girls who participated in the program reported feeling more confident and informed about their bodies. Teachers and educators also praised the program, saying that it had helped to reduce stigma and increase awareness about menstrual health.
Menstrupedia’s impact did not stop there. The platform also partnered with organizations and governments around the world to spread its message. In 2019, Menstrupedia launched a global workshop series, which brought together educators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the importance of menstrual education.
The workshops were a huge success. Attendees praised the platform’s unique approach to menstrual education, saying that it had helped to increase awareness and reduce stigma. Governments and organizations also praised the platform, saying that it had helped to inform policy and programming around menstrual health.
The Future of Menstrupedia
As Menstrupedia looks to the future, it is clear that its impact will be felt for years to come. The platform has already reached over 25,500 schools and several countries, and it continues to grow and expand its reach. Menstrupedia’s team is working on new initiatives and programs, including a new comic series that will focus on sexual health and relationships.
Menstrupedia’s impact is not limited to individual stories or statistics. It is part of a larger movement to break the silence around periods and promote menstrual education. As Aditi Gupta says, “We believe that every girl deserves to grow up feeling confident, curious, and comfortable about her changing body. We believe that every girl deserves to have a positive and empowering experience of menstruation.”
Conclusion
Menstrupedia is a shining example of how a simple idea can make a big impact. By using comics and illustrations to educate young minds about puberty and menstruation, Menstrupedia has helped to break the silence around periods and promote menstrual education. The platform’s unique approach has earned it recognition and praise from governments, organizations, and individuals around the world.
As Menstrupedia looks to the future, it is clear that its impact will be felt for years to come. The platform will continue to grow and expand its reach, and it will continue to break the silence around periods. Menstrupedia’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity, and it is a reminder that even the most sensitive topics can be tackled with sensitivity, humor, and compassion.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/the-ascendants/menstrupedia-breaking-period-taboos/
