Overview

Ujaas, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust founded by Advaitesha Birla, released an impact assessment of 2,402 boys across Maharashtra. The assessment measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviours regarding menstruation after a targeted educational intervention.

Impact Assessment Findings

The post‑intervention data show that boys’ understanding of puberty rose by 83.6%. Comfort discussing menstruation increased by 59.8%, and confidence to support female peers grew by 51.7%. The share of boys who felt they should understand menstruation rose from 50% to 72%. Confidence in supporting female classmates improved from 54% to 82%. However, the proportion demonstrating an appropriate response when a classmate’s clothes were stained fell from 43% to 40%, indicating a gap between attitude change and actual behaviour.

Let’s Talk RED – Youth in Action

On 24 August, Ujaas launched the youth‑led platform Let’s Talk RED – Youth in Action, bringing together students from four Mumbai colleges—Bhavan’s College (Andheri), Thakur College (Kandivali), KJ Somaiya College, and BK Birla College (Kalyan). The forum moved the conversation beyond biological aspects to address stigma, myths, language, and everyday responses. Building on a previous edition that gave girls a voice, this year the focus shifted to actionable allyship.

Period Ally Stats Board

Responses from 56 female and 31 male participants across ten statements revealed that 50% of male respondents already speak up against jokes or teasing related to periods, while 38.9% would like to start doing so. Likewise, 44.4% of male participants already advocate for better menstrual facilities, and another 44.4% expressed a desire to begin such advocacy.

Future Plans and Institutional Commitment

Participating colleges will continue student‑led awareness and peer‑engagement activities throughout the academic year. A student panellist emphasized that allyship begins with knowing how to respond when a girl needs help, avoiding jokes, and speaking openly about periods. Ujaas will support these colleges with follow‑up action plans, aiming to extend menstrual‑friendly practices beyond campuses into broader community settings.

About Ujaas

Ujaas works to normalise menstrual health across schools, communities, and homes. In 2025‑26, the initiative reached 4,35,842 people through 13,194 menstrual‑health education sessions in 1,704 educational institutions, engaging 63,841 boys and men and 62,794 community stakeholders. Its SHG‑led Ujaas Green Sanitary Pad Manufacturing Units and Period Sakhi model generate livelihood opportunities for women while expanding access to sustainable menstrual products.

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