Maharashtra is witnessing a cultural shift wherein young minds of all genders feel bold enough to break the silence and confront taboos that have silenced generations of women in India, the survey stated
The survey states that 88 per cent of the anganwadi workers feel confident to address menstrual hygiene in public meetings, and 80 per cent are comfortable discussing menstruation with male family members. Representational image
A survey conducted across 14 districts in the state revealed that nearly 94 per cent of adolescent girls in Maharashtra feel confident to challenge myths around menstruation. Maharashtra is witnessing a cultural shift where young minds of all genders feel bold enough to break the silence and confront taboos that have silenced generations of women in India, it stated.
The report further added that due to the growing awareness, menstrual health literacy has improved by up to 32 per cent among adolescent girls in the state.
More importantly, there has been a 57 per cent reduction in the belief that menstrual blood is unclean, showing a deep change in self-perception and dignity, it added.
"Ninety-four per cent of adolescent girls in Maharashtra feel confident to challenge myths around menstruation," indicating a measurable transformation in knowledge, confidence, and behaviour, as per Aditya Birla Education Trust's 'Ujaas Impact Report 2024-25'.
According to PTI, the report is based on the survey conducted among 1.9 lakh individuals across the state's 14 districts—rural and urban—including adolescent girls, boys, NSS (National Service Scheme) students, and anganwadi workers, after engagement with community stakeholders since 2021.
The report further said that there is a transformation in the mindset of boys, too, with 91 per cent of the respondents stating that they understand puberty-related concepts, and 36 per cent reporting increased comfort in buying menstrual products.
In a promising shift in the attitudes of males in rural settings, more than one-third of boys also believe that it's important for them to learn about menstruation.
Even the anganwadi workers, who were once hesitant to mention menstruation, now play the role of community advocates, as per the report.
The shift in behaviour in the state comes following the continuous effort from organisations bringing in awareness about menstruation.
One of the key players in bringing such drastic growth and awareness is Aditya Birla Education Trust, founded by Advaitesha Birla, which has been working in the space of menstrual health and hygiene management in Maharashtra since 2021.
The data shows 88 per cent of the anganwadi workers feel confident addressing menstrual hygiene in public meetings, and 80 per cent are comfortable discussing menstruation with male family members—a 36 per cent increase from previous years, reported PTI.
"Menstruation should never be a barrier to education, dignity, or independence—yet, even today, nearly 1 in 5 adolescent girls in India drop out of school due to period stigma and lack of access to menstrual products. At Ujaas, we are changing this reality by standing firmly on our three pillars: awareness, access and sustainability," Ujaas head Poonam Patkar said.
She further said that by giving girls free sanitary pads, busting myths through education, and championing eco-friendly practices, they are helping them manage their periods with pride, not shame.
"The numbers speak volumes—a 32 per cent rise in menstrual health literacy, a 57 per cent drop in the belief that menstrual blood is unclean, and 94 per cent of girls in Maharashtra now confident enough to challenge deep-rooted myths. This is not just progress—it is a revolution," Patkar said.
"Through Ujaas, we are building a future where girls can grow without limits, boys become allies, and communities become safe spaces," she added.
(With PTI inputs)
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