In a world where open conversations about menstruation are still taboo, sisters Nishka and Kaanchi Utpat are breaking barriers and making impactful strides in menstrual health education. With Nishka studying public health at George Washington University and Kaanchi in high school as passionate advocates for menstrual hygiene, they have united their efforts to establish the Utpat Foundation. Their mission is clear: to educate and empower underserved communities regarding menstrual health.

The duo's commitment stems from a deep understanding of privilege and the urgent need for accessible health resources. Their foundation's flagship initiative, the Amhimuli Project, donates sanitary pads to girls in two Mumbai underserved schools, ensuring they have the necessary products to manage their periods with dignity. By addressing the stigma surrounding menstruation, they are not only providing physical supplies but also fostering an environment where young girls can discuss their menstrual health openly.

Quotes:

“Access to education about health empowers individuals to manage their well-being more effectively.” – Nishka Utpat
“Menstruation is a natural process that should not be shrouded in shame or secrecy.” – Kaanchi Utpat

Takeaways:

• The Utpat Foundation focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation through education and tangible support.
• Positive feedback from the girls receiving products indicates a boost in self-esteem and school attendance, illustrating the impact of accessible menstrual hygiene products.
• The sisters emphasize the importance of involving both genders in conversations about menstrual health, creating a more inclusive understanding of the topic

Conclusion:

As Nishka and Kanchi continue their journey, their advocacy not only addresses immediate needs but also aims to create systemic changes in how menstrual health is approached within communities. Their story inspires young advocates everywhere, reminding us that with passion and purpose, we can challenge societal norms and empower those in need. The future of menstrual health looks promising, with leaders like them at the forefront, advocating for change and awareness.

In this inspiring interview with Nishka and Kaanchi Utpat, co-founders of the Utpat Foundation, we dive into their incredible work advocating for menstrual health and education, particularly in underserved communities in India. As published authors and public health advocates, they have made it their mission to break down societal taboos surrounding menstruation and ensure that all women and girls have access to the resources they need to manage their health. Their foundation provides essential feminine hygiene products to schools in underserved areas, aiming to eliminate menstruation as a barrier to education and daily life.

Quotes:

“Education is really the key to healthcare because when people understand their health, they can manage it better.” – Nishka Utpat

“We wanted to bring awareness, education, and tangible feminine hygiene products to girls in underserved communities.” – Kaanchi Utpat

“It’s about advocating for what menstruation is and why every girl must learn about her own body without shame.” – Nishka Utpat

“At the beginning, our dad wasn’t as comfortable with the topic, but over time, he’s grown into one of our biggest advocates.” – Kaanchi Utpat

Takeaways:

Mission of the Utpat Foundation: The foundation focuses on raising awareness about menstrual health and providing sanitary products to girls in underserved communities, particularly inner-city schools in Mumbai, India.

Access to Hygiene Products: The foundation’s primary project, the "Amimi Project" (meaning "us girls" in Marathi), donates sanitary pads to girls every month, ensuring they have access to the products they need.

Advocacy Through Multiple Platforms: The Utpat sisters have created various platforms—including YouTube, blogs, and their recently published book—to spread awareness and share their personal experiences around menstruation.

Addressing Misinformation: They emphasize the importance of providing accurate and relatable information, as many girls might receive incomplete or inaccurate knowledge from social media, the internet, or family traditions.

Expanding Their Reach: The foundation is looking to expand its efforts beyond Mumbai, with plans to reach rural villages, create local manufacturing options to reduce costs, and establish systems for product disposal.

Conclusion:

Nishka and Kaanchi Utpat are not only advocates for menstrual health but also passionate about empowering underserved communities through education and tangible support. Their work with the Utpat Foundation is helping to dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation while providing girls with the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond. As they continue to expand their reach, their mission is clear: to make menstruation a normal and open conversation, ensure that no girl is left behind, and ultimately create a world where women and girls have the resources they need to succeed.

Menstruation has long been a sensitive topic, often shrouded in silence and misconceptions. Yet, as society progresses, it becomes clear that education and open discussions are crucial for breaking down stigmas. In today's interconnected world, information is accessible to all, making ignorance a matter of choice rather than circumstance. By including men in these conversations, we bridge a critical knowledge gap and foster a more understanding society.

In this episode, Nishka and Ki explore the importance of male involvement in discussions about menstruation. Men, whether fathers, brothers, or teachers, often play key roles in decision-making but lack the necessary knowledge to support the women in their lives effectively. Tune in as we challenge societal norms, address the gaps in male education on menstrual health and discuss how inclusive conversations can lead to a more empathetic and informed future.

Quotes:

“Men are often the decision-makers in families and communities, which is why it's crucial that they are educated on the needs of women during menstruation.” – Nishka

“Silence is not an alternative; men not speaking up can be just as harmful.” – Ki

“By educating boys early on, we’re creating more understanding future husbands, fathers, and brothers.”

Takeaways:

Educating men about menstruation fosters empathy and understanding, improving women's lives.

Men’s roles in household decisions, particularly in developing countries, make it essential for them to be informed about menstrual health.

A more informed male population can help reduce the stigma around menstruation, from workplace accommodations to access to sanitary facilities.

Encouraging boys to learn about menstruation at a young age prevents misinformation and creates a more supportive environment for girls.

Conclusion:

Opening up conversations around menstruation to include men is a small but impactful step toward a more equitable society. By increasing awareness and understanding, men can play a crucial role in supporting the women in their lives, whether by helping provide sanitary products or creating open, stigma-free environments at home and at work. Small steps can lead to meaningful changes in how menstruation is viewed globally.

Disabilities affect around 1 billion people globally, with 80% residing in lower-income countries. The challenges faced by disabled individuals extend into many aspects of life, including menstruation—a topic already surrounded by stigma. But when combined with a disability, the physical, emotional, and logistical difficulties are often magnified.

In this episode, Nishka and Ki shed light on the struggles faced by disabled individuals during menstruation and the impact this has on their caregivers, particularly in developing countries. From access to sanitation facilities to managing emotions during menstruation, this conversation aims to raise awareness and drive support for both disabled individuals and their caregivers. Tune in as we dive deep into the intersection of disability and menstruation and the importance of inclusive discussions that ensure no one is left behind.

Quotes::

“One common misconception about people with disabilities is that they have different reproductive systems or that they can't menstruate. None of these things are true.” – Nishka

“Managing menstruation can be particularly hard for people with disabilities, especially when they rely on caregivers or don’t have access to necessary products and facilities.” – Ki

“More care should be given to those who need it, and no one should be excluded from the discussion about menstruation, including disabled people and their caregivers.” – Nishka

Takeaways:

• Disabilities and Menstruation: There is a misconception that people with disabilities may not menstruate or have different reproductive systems, but this is false. Like non-disabled individuals, they go through menstruation and may face additional challenges.
• Unique Challenges: Those with visual or physical disabilities may find it hard to manage menstruation independently, requiring extra assistance from caregivers or specialized menstrual products that are often unaffordable.
• Sanitation Access: In many developing countries, bathrooms are outside the home and often inaccessible for people with physical disabilities, making basic menstrual hygiene difficult.
• Emotional and Behavioral Impacts: People with intellectual disabilities may struggle to express how they feel during menstruation, exhibiting withdrawal, hyperactivity, or fear, which can increase the burden on their caregivers.
• Caregiver Support: Caregivers are crucial in helping disabled individuals manage menstruation. However, caregivers may need support and education on effectively assisting during this time.

Conclusion:

Menstruation is a universal experience, and it is essential to ensure that people with disabilities and their caregivers receive the support and resources they need to manage it effectively. By raising awareness and promoting inclusive discussions, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding both menstruation and disability, creating a more compassionate and understanding world. Together, we must advocate for better education, access to sanitary products, and supportive environments for everyone—especially those with disabilities.

As discussions around menstruation continue to evolve, particularly in developing countries like India, addressing the waste disposal challenges remains crucial. While menstrual products have become more accessible, their improper disposal is a significant public health and environmental concern. In this context, it’s essential to explore practical solutions that can be implemented at the household level and through community efforts.

Introducing female-friendly toilets equipped with covered waste bins provides a fundamental step toward improving disposal practices. However, challenges arise when cultural stigma leads to shame from sanitation workers, discouraging young girls from using these facilities. Education emerges as a powerful tool to combat this stigma. Communities can encourage healthier behaviors by fostering awareness around safe disposal methods and the risks associated with improper practices.

The shift towards reusable menstrual products is a promising approach to reducing the overall waste generated. These alternatives can be utilized multiple times, significantly decreasing the frequency of disposal. Nonetheless, challenges such as washing and drying in crowded living situations must be addressed to make this option more feasible.

Innovative disposal methods such as composting and incineration are also gaining traction. Composting, when feasible, allows for organic waste management, while incineration transforms waste into ashes that can be used as fertilizers. This not only mitigates waste but also repurposes it sustainably. Chemical treatments and autoclaving can also sterilize waste, reducing its hazardous nature.

Quotes:

“Reducing waste starts with understanding and embracing reusable options. The more we adapt, the less we discard.” – Nishka & Kaanchi

“Education is the key to breaking down cultural barriers surrounding menstruation.” – Nishka & Kaanchi

Takeaways:

• Addressing cultural stigma through education is vital for encouraging proper menstrual product disposal.
• The shift to reusable products can significantly reduce menstrual waste, though practical challenges must be addressed.
• Innovative disposal methods like composting and incineration offer sustainable solutions for managing menstrual waste.

Conclusion:

As we continue to advocate for better waste management practices, it is imperative to emphasize education and awareness surrounding menstruation. By implementing community initiatives and embracing innovative disposal methods, we can empower women, protect public health, and promote environmental sustainability. Let us advocate for change that respects and dignifies natural processes.

In many developing nations, the topic of menstruation remains shrouded in stigma, leading to severe implications for women's health and the environment. As accessibility to menstrual products like pads and tampons increases, the challenge of disposing of these items correctly is becoming more pressing. This situation is particularly critical in India, where adolescent girls may use between seven to twelve pads monthly during their cycles.

The urgency of proper disposal methods cannot be overstated. Many girls resort to unhygienic practices without appropriate facilities, such as extending pad usage beyond the recommended time. This can lead to discomfort, infections, and the embarrassment of stained clothing, compounding their difficulties.

Unfortunately, improper disposal methods, such as flushing pads down toilets or discarding them in public spaces, pose significant environmental hazards. These products can clog plumbing systems and may not decompose for years, while the associated risks from menstrual blood contamination further endanger public health.

To combat these issues, the introduction of female-friendly toilets is essential. Such facilities would provide a secure and hygienic environment for girls, equipped with locks for privacy, running water, and properly designed disposal bins. These improvements could dramatically change how menstrual waste is managed, offering girls a dignified solution for disposal.

Education plays a crucial role in this narrative. By fostering open discussions about menstruation and promoting awareness among both genders, we can dismantle the stigmas that contribute to unsafe disposal practices. Ultimately, a combination of improved facilities and education will empower women, safeguard their health, and protect the environment.

Quotes:

“Creating a clean and safe environment for menstruation is not just a matter of hygiene; it's about dignity.” – Nishka & Kaanchi
“Education can bridge the gap between cultural norms and healthy practices.” – Nishka & Kaanchi

Takeaways:

• Addressing the stigma surrounding menstruation is vital for improving waste disposal practices.
• Female-friendly toilets can significantly enhance the hygiene and privacy of menstrual waste disposal.
• Open education about menstruation for both men and women can reduce stigma and promote healthier practices.

Conclusion:

As we strive for a world where menstruation is no longer taboo, we must advocate for better waste management solutions and educational initiatives. By prioritizing these changes, we can ensure that young women are empowered, healthy, and respected in their natural processes.

Managing your period in school can be challenging due to limited access to restroom breaks, potential discomfort, and the stigma surrounding menstruation. Navigating through classes and activities while addressing menstrual needs can sometimes be disruptive and require discreet solutions. The lack of open discussions about menstruation in some school settings can contribute to feelings of embarrassment or inconvenience for those experiencing their period.

In this episode, Nishka and Kaanchi are going to be addressing the topic of dealing with your period in a school setting. Tune in as they provide tips and guidance to help you navigate your cycle comfortably and confidently while in school!

Quotes:

“Be proactive. It's always good to keep a schedule, either on a physical calendar or on your phone.” – Nishka Utpat

“Have a buddy. Don't be afraid to establish some trust between you and another female friend.” – Nishka Utpat

“Don't be scared because if they're a good friend, they won't judge you. We all go through this fear.” – Kaanchi Utpat

Takeaways:

Having a schedule, whether on paper or digital, helps with organization and managing time.

Cultivating a supportive friendship with a fellow woman can be a powerful source of strength and trust.

Overcoming fear is a shared experience, and true friends provide a safe haven free of judgment.

Conclusion:

Dealing with your period, especially in a very stressful environment like school, can be very difficult especially if you have no idea what you’re doing. However, adopting strategies such as maintaining a schedule and cultivating supportive friendships can empower you to easily manage your menstrual cycles more confidently, despite the environment you are in.

Traveling is fun. You can see unique places, meet various people, and have incredible experiences. But for women, having a menstrual cycle during a trip can ruin the fun. It will be a source of anxiety, and you can never enjoy your travel. And so, being prepared at all times can save your day, and you will still be able to do fun things.

The Upat Sisters, Nishka and Kaanchi, share their experiences about managing their menstrual period when traveling. Tune in to learn some tips and tricks to travel confidently in your period.

Quotes:

“Carry around a little pouch of sanitary products and anything else that you need for your own period, like pain relievers or heating pads.” – Utpat Sisters

“If you're traveling together with your friend or your family, talk to your older sister, your mom, your older female relative, or your friend, and let them know about the situation at hand.” – Utpat Sisters

“It's really important to carry around a water bottle and hand sanitizer, any spare products you need. Flushable wipes are also great for rest stops or if the bathrooms don't have toilet paper, and this is also great for when you're hiking in a group.” – Utpat Sisters

Takeaways:

Inform the people around you about your menstruation. In this way, you don’t need to constantly explain your actions and make excuses because they understand the situation.

Being ready for the possibility of having your period is always crucial, especially when traveling. Feel free to decline to go on a trip if it's going to require a lot of physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, or dancing, because it'll probably be more trouble than it's worth, and there's always going to be more opportunities in the future.

Conclusion:

It is a hassle to have a period when traveling. So make sure to have a ready sanitary pouch and put everything you need for your menstruation. Wear dark clothing to avoid staining your clothes. Always carry a water bottle, hand sanitizer, and even flushable wipes in case of emergencies. Lastly, let the people know your citation so they can understand and help you when needed. Remember, the key is to plan and be prepared at all times, and you’ll be able to enjoy your travel even if you have a period.