29/06/2026
"Periods Are Not Rest Days": Shakuntala's Journey Towards Dignity and Change
For six years, Shakuntala Munjaji Chilgarwadi, an Aanganwadi Worker from Chilgarwadi village in Maharashtra's Gangakhed Block, has supported the health of women and children in her community. Yet, like countless rural women, she spent years living under the weight of menstrual stigma.
During her periods, Shakuntala was not allowed to cook or enter the kitchen. But instead of being allowed to rest, she was expected to work in the fields.
"People would say, 'You're not cooking today, so you can work in the fields.' But working in the fields is much harder. We spend hours under the hot sun, bending, weeding, harvesting, and carrying heavy loads. Even during periods, there was no relief."
She also remembers a time when women were not allowed to bathe, enter certain rooms, or take part in everyday family activities during menstruation.
Today, Shakuntala has chosen a different path.
She refuses to impose these restrictions on her daughters-in-law, believing that menstruation is natural and should never be a reason for discrimination.
"Women deserve respect, not restrictions."
Her perspective grew even stronger after participating in the Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene for Rural Women and Adolescent Girls project implemented by Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) with financial assistance from India Exim Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The project combined menstrual hygiene awareness with the distribution of reusable sanitary pads, helping women understand safe menstrual practices, break harmful myths, and adopt sustainable menstrual products.
Both of Shakuntala's daughters-in-law received reusable sanitary pad kits through the project.
"Earlier, we relied on old cloth because buying sanitary pads every month was expensive. These reusable sanitary pads will help us save money, maintain better hygiene, and feel more comfortable."
Across 44 villages, the initiative has reached 22,156 rural women and adolescent girls, improving menstrual hygiene while encouraging families to challenge long-held taboos.
Today, Shakuntala is not only changing practices within her own home but also inspiring conversations across her village.
"When women receive the right information, they gain the confidence to question old beliefs. I hope the next generation of girls grows up without shame or unnecessary restrictions during menstruation."
Her story reminds us that real change begins with awareness, dignity, and the courage to challenge traditions that no longer serve women.
