Breaking the Silence: Pioneering Menstrual Health Education in Fatehgarh Sahib Schools

A Young Activist's Journey - Ishika Seal is a member of Irise's youth board, the Empower Period Committee

As a District Development Fellow working with the government of Punjab, my journey into menstrual health activism began with a simple observation: silence was causing harm. In Fatehgarh Sahib, where traditional values run deep, conversations about menstruation were virtually non- existent. As a young activist determined to create change, I found myself constantly pushing against the boundaries of what the local administration considered 'appropriate' educational content. The resistance wasn't always explicit – sometimes it manifested as uncomfortable glances or suggestions

to focus on 'sensitive' But I remained convinced that this silence was precisely what

needed to be broken.

Working alongside Enactus SVC, we developed a comprehensive program that

would eventually transform how an entire district approaches menstrual health education. This is the story of how persistence, strategic partnerships, and a willingness to challenge the status quo created unprecedented change.

In a society where menstruation is often shrouded in silence and shame, our groundbreaking initiative is changing the narrative for thousands of students across Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India. This first-ever comprehensive menstrual hygiene education program in the district represents a watershed moment for the community. Through collaborative efforts between Enactus SVC and the District Development Fellowship Government of Punjab, these educational sessions are empowering

both girls and boys with knowledge that is transforming attitudes and breaking down harmful taboos.

The initiative tackles a critical problem that persists across much of India and beyond. Despite menstruation being a natural biological process, it remains perceived as impure by large sections of society. This stigma prevents open discussions about periods, with women often feeling ashamed to talk about the topic. This silence leaves young girls uninformed about crucial aspects of menstrual health that they need to know. Similarly, boys grow up without understanding the importance of menstruation in women's lives, perpetuating the cycle of misunderstanding and discomfort that

surrounds this natural process.

As the first program of its kind in Fatehgarh Sahib, the initiative has been particularly significant for this region, where traditional values and limited access to menstrual education have historically left young people with little accurate information. To address these deeply entrenched attitudes, the program implements separate, age-appropriate sessions for girls and boys across more than 140 schools, reaching over 2,100 students. Each session runs for approximately 60 minutes and follows a

thoughtfully designed structure that begins with ice-breaking activities to create a comfortable environment for open discussion. This is followed by educational presentations covering the menstrual process and related health topics. Each session concludes with question and answer sessions that encourage curiosity and help clear misconceptions that students may have been carrying for years.

For girls, the sessions dive deep into the entire menstrual process and the bodily changes that occur during puberty. They learn about premenstrual syndrome management, the proper use and disposal of menstrual products, and how to track their periods effectively. The educators also cover important health aspects such as nutritional needs during menstruation, the benefits of regular exercise for menstrual wellbeing, and awareness about conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Perhaps most importantly, girls learn when symptoms warrant consulting a doctor,

empowering them to advocate for their own health.

The boys sessions are carefully crafted to nurture understanding and empathy. The process of menstruation is explained through relatable, story-based approaches that make the concept accessible. Educators take time to thoroughly debunk common myths and taboos, emphasizing that menstruation is as normal as any other bodily process. Boys learn practical ways to support their mothers, sisters, and female classmates during menstruation, fostering an attitude of respect rather

than awkwardness or teasing. Recognizing that a one-time educational intervention has limitations, the initiative launched a forward-thinking Hygiene Ambassador Program. This program selects one or two students from each class to serve as peer educators and advocates. These ambassadors continue to share knowledge and support their fellow students, ensuring that the impact of the initial sessions ripples outward

and creates lasting change within school communities throughout Fatehgarh Sahib.

The tangible success of the program is evident in the survey results collected from participants. Among the 220 boys who participated, an impressive 92% reported fully understanding the menstrual cycle concept after the sessions, while 93% committed to helping female family members during their periods rather than teasing or bothering them. Similarly, of the 330 girl participants, 94% gained a clear understanding of the menstrual cycle, 92% recognized the importance of

maintaining proper hygiene during periods, and 96% learned about the crucial roles nutrition and exercise play in menstrual health.

What makes this initiative truly transformative for Fatehgarh Sahib is its holistic approach to menstrual education. By engaging both boys and girls, it treats menstruation not as a 'womens problem' but as a natural process that everyone in society should understand. The program received an impressive overall rating of 4.64 out of 5 from participants, reflecting its effectiveness and positive reception among the student population.

The initiative doesn't stop at educating students—it actively encourages teachers and school administrators to maintain an atmosphere of open dialogue about menstruation. This approach helps students develop positive mindsets that they carry back to their homes, enabling them to recognize and challenge discriminatory practices in their communities. When students understand that menstrual taboos have no scientific basis, they become agents of change in their families and

neighborhoods.

As the first program of its kind in Fatehgarh Sahib, this initiative serves as a powerful model for other districts in Punjab and beyond. By combating silence and shame with knowledge and understanding, this pioneering program represents a crucial step toward menstrual equity—proving that education remains our most powerful tool for sustainable social change. The ripple effects of these sessions will continue for years as students grow up with healthier attitudes toward menstruation, gradually transforming cultural norms and improving health outcomes for generations to come.