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.