In a significant step towards promoting menstrual health awareness and breaking long-standing social taboos, WomenShine Chamber of Entrepreneurship (WCE) organized RED DOT TALKS – Voices of Change on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day at Max Hospital, Lucknow.
The event brought together healthcare professionals, educators, social sector leaders, and community representatives to engage in meaningful conversations around menstrual health, dignity, awareness, and inclusion. The initiative forms part of Voices of Change, WCE’s flagship menstrual awareness campaign aimed at creating a more informed, empathetic, and period-positive society.
The program was graced by Ms. Anupama Shandilya, Deputy Director, ICDS, Women & Child Development Department, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she emphasized the importance of awareness and education in empowering girls and women and highlighted the need for collective efforts from families, schools, institutions, and communities to normalize conversations around menstruation.
One of the highlights of the event was the panel discussion titled “Breaking the Silence: Menstruation, Myths & Modern India.” The session was moderated by Yashika Bansal and featured an insightful panel comprising Pratima Tripathi, Pratibha Singh, and Seema Singh.
The discussion explored several critical issues, including myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, the emotional and social challenges faced by adolescent girls, and the need for greater awareness in schools and communities. The panelists stressed that menstruation should not be viewed merely as a health issue but as a matter of dignity, education, and equal opportunity.
Pratima Tripathi highlighted the importance of age-appropriate menstrual education in schools and encouraged parents and educators to create safe spaces for young girls to ask questions without fear or hesitation.
Pratibha Singh spoke about the role of families and communities in shaping attitudes toward menstruation. She emphasized that breaking generational silence is essential for building confidence among young girls and fostering healthier conversations at home.
Representing Piramal Foundation, Seema Singh shared valuable grassroots perspectives and discussed the challenges faced in rural and underserved communities. She underscored the need for sustained awareness campaigns and community participation to ensure that menstrual health information reaches every girl and woman, regardless of her socio-economic background.
The event was anchored by Aparna Mishra, Founder of WomenShine and WomenShine Chamber of Entrepreneurship (WCE), who reiterated the vision behind the campaign and the importance of turning awareness into action. She also shared the future roadmap of the initiative, including school outreach programs, community engagement activities, and awareness campaigns aimed at reaching a larger audience across Lucknow and beyond.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks, felicitation of the panelists, and a group photograph, followed by networking over refreshments.
RED DOT TALKS served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with conversation. As society continues to move towards greater awareness and inclusivity, initiatives like Voices of Change play a vital role in ensuring that menstruation is discussed openly, respectfully, and without stigma.
Through dialogue, education, and collective action, the journey towards a period-positive society continues—one conversation at a time.
Team WS
