The Ujaas Menstrual Health Express, spearheaded by the Aditya Birla Education Trust’s Ujaas initiative, is making significant strides across the Indian subcontinent. Covering a vast expanse from Mumbai to Darjeeling and beyond, this groundbreaking initiative aims to drive awareness and distribute free sanitary pads to underserved communities.
Having traversed through states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh, the Express has now reached the picturesque landscapes of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Under the guidance of Ms. Advaitesha Birla, the Founder of Ujaas, and in collaboration with local NGO partner Bhavishya Bharat, the initiative is set to make a lasting impact on menstrual health in the region.The campaign’s first phase in Darjeeling includes extensive community outreach, featuring age-appropriate awareness sessions and the distribution of sanitary napkins. Moreover, the initiative aims to gather crucial data on cultural practices and beliefs surrounding menstruation, paving the way for tailored interventions to combat taboos and myths.
With a specially designed Menstrual Health Express Van at its core, this pioneering initiative plans to cover 25 states, 107 cities, and over 20,000 kilometers by road. Over 250,000 menstrual pads are slated for distribution nationwide, reaffirming Ujaas’ commitment to empowering women and fostering positive change within communities.Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Advaitesha Birla stressed its transformative potential, stating, “The Ujaas Menstrual Health Express signifies more than just a van—it symbolizes change, breaking barriers, and advocating for menstrual health as a fundamental right.”
