From Shame to Strength: My Journey With Menstrual Health

I still remember the day I got my first period. I was 13 years old and studying in class 9. It happened during tiffin break at school — I looked down and saw blood on my clothes. Confused and terrified, I rushed home. My mother wasn’t there, so I turned to my aunt for help. But instead of comfort, I was met with fear and rejection.

She told me not to sit there, not to touch the glass, and to stay away from others. I felt as if I had committed a crime — as if I had suddenly become impure, untouchable. That day, I didn’t just bleed — something inside me broke.

I Didn't know about sanitary pads, so I used an old piece of cloth. I cried silently, feeling dirty and ashamed. I stopped going to school. I couldn't even wash the cloth during the day — I waited until everyone was asleep so no one would see. Menstruation became a burden, a painful secret wrapped in silence and shame.

Years later, when we launched the high school initiative at Pushpokoli School, my first priority was clear: to empower girls — both physically and mentally. I didn’t want any girl to go through what I did.

Today, menstrual health is not a taboo at our school. It’s a subject of awareness, dignity, and strength. Every month, we organize seminars and guardian meetings to open dialogue. Our girls now speak freely, ask questions without fear, and most importantly, feel safe. They know that menstrual hygiene is not a luxury — it is a necessity.

I recently shared my story at one of our menstrual health sessions — with a smile on my face. Because today, I am no longer ashamed. I am healing. And I’m helping others heal too.