For years, girls like Sitara Devi in Bihar refrained from bathing for days during their periods, accepting taboos as normal. Today, thanks to a unique community effort called Periodshala, women and girls are learning to ask why—and changing how periods are seen and managed.
- Girls in Bihar traditionally avoided bathing and school during periods.
- Periodshala creates safe spaces to discuss menstruation openly.
- Women now produce affordable biodegradable pads and challenge taboos.
What happened
In Bihar’s villages, generations of women followed strict menstrual taboos, such as not bathing for days and avoiding kitchens or temples during their periods. These long-standing practices were rooted in misinformation and cultural shame around a natural biological process. Girls often missed school, while women remained silent about the challenges they faced.
Journalist Surbhi Kumari, moved by these stories during her travels, left her career to start Periodshala, a grassroots initiative in Bihar. This program offers girls and women a platform to talk openly about menstruation, ask questions, and gain access to reliable information. Over time, the community gradually shed silence and began challenging old beliefs.
Why it feels good
The shift from silence to open dialogue has empowered women to take control of their menstrual health and challenge stigmas that restricted them for decades. This newfound confidence helps girls attend school consistently and women engage freely in daily activities without fear or shame.
Periodshala’s influence extends beyond education by training local women to manufacture and distribute affordable, biodegradable sanitary pads. This not only improves access to hygiene products but also creates livelihood opportunities, fostering a sense of independence and community pride among rural women.
What to enjoy or watch next
Follow the ongoing story of Periodshala and its impact as it continues to reach new communities across Bihar, encouraging more women to reject outdated taboos and embrace menstrual health with dignity.
Explore initiatives that combine health education with economic empowerment, such as sustainable sanitary pad production, and how similar grassroots efforts are transforming social norms and improving women’s lives in other regions.