Breaking silence on menstruation and menopause

What if something as natural as the monthy menstrual period didn’t have to be a taboo topic?” This question inspired Shruti Dharamsi, president of RC Mumbai Ghatkopar West, RID 3141, to initiate Project Masik Chakra (menstrual cycle) as the club’s signature project for the year. “In a world where conversations about menstruation and menopause are only whispered, we wanted to create a programme that would break this silence. Our goal was to help girls understand that periods and menopause are ­natural, and knowledge about them can be empowering,” she explains. Several Rotary clubs including RCs ­Chandivali Mumbai, Wada, Mumbai Nova, ­Mumbai Mulund East and Mulund Valley have participated in this project.

The project involves four ­components — menstrual awareness sessions for girls, distribution of eco-friendly period panties and menstrual cups, and spreading menopause awareness. “Our first step is to visit schools and educate girls aged 8–15 about menstruation. We aim to reach them early, before myths and misconceptions can take root,” she says. So far, the clubs have reached around 4,000 students across 21 schools.

Each awareness session lasts 90 minutes, beginning with the screening of a 25-minute educational film, followed by a Q&A session and a quiz. “The session was extremely informative. We learned about the science behind menstruation, hormonal changes, importance of a healthy diet, hygiene and how to manage period cramps. We could ask our questions freely, without ­embarrassment,” says Shrutika Mehta, a student. Menstrupedia Comic, a guidebook to understanding periods, is distributed to the students at the end of the sessions.

Reusable menstrual underwear is provided to girls aged 10–18 in these schools. These eco-friendly panties, which typically cost ₹1,800, are offered at ₹700 for a pack of three. “We do not charge the students. Instead, we encourage Rotary clubs to distribute these environment-friendly alternatives to sanitary pads, which are harmful to the planet,” explains Shruti. Furthermore, over 5,000 ­medical-grade silicone menstrual cups have been distributed to women police officers, nurses, sex workers and women in corporate offices. “We are currently seeking permission to extend this initiative to women inmates in prisons,” she adds.

Shruti encourages more Rotary clubs to get involved in this initiative. The menstrual cup costs ₹250, but the Ghatkopar Rotary club covers ₹40, the sponsoring club contributes ₹200, and the beneficiary pays just ₹10. These cups, made to last up to 10 years, offer a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene. “When I first recommended distribution of menstrual cups to women a couple of years ago, a friend suggested that I try it first. Although I found it slightly uncomfortable to remove it first, once I got the hang of it, using the cup became effortless. You just need to breathe deeply, squat and push gently,” she recalls. To support new users, the club has a dedicated WhatsApp group and a helpline that offers guidance. “There are different types of cups, and we help women choose what works best for them.”

The project also includes online menopause awareness sessions led by Rotarian gynaecologists every month and is open to the public. “We share Zoom links with our members, who then pass them on to their circles. We also touch on this topic during our school sessions, encouraging girls to discuss menopause with their mothers,” says Shruti. Many women, she notes, are unaware of the symptoms of menopause, or are reluctant to acknowledge that they are in that stage, although they experience signs like hot flashes, mood swings, irregular cycles and fatigue.

The menstrual awareness video has been produced in 18 regional languages, and the comic book, priced at ₹15, is available in Marathi and ­English. “We are open to getting it printed in other languages if Rotary clubs are interested in replicating this initiative in their areas,” Shruti adds.

Project Masik Chakra has sparked open dialogue on a subject once considered taboo. Shruti recalls a moment when she handed over a menstrual cup to a male Rotary club president, suggesting he give it to his wife or daughter. “He was scandalised, replying, ‘you give it to them! Men don’t talk about such things in my community’. This incident motivated us to include boys in our school sessions, so they too can better understand and support the women in their lives.”

She credits DG Chetan Desai for “coining the project’s name and insisting that we consider eco-friendly options for menstrual management.”