Breaking the Silence: Aditi Gupta's Revolutionary Journey with Menstrupedia

In a country where menstruation remains a whispered topic, Aditi Gupta has emerged as a trailblazer, transforming menstrual education through Menstrupedia. Her work has not only revolutionized awareness but also dismantled deep-rooted stigmas associated with periods.

Born in Garhwa, Jharkhand, Aditi faced the same menstrual taboos that millions of Indian girls endure. She experienced restrictions on entering the kitchen and places of worship during her periods, had to rely on cloth instead of sanitary napkins due to financial constraints, and grew up in an environment where menstruation was shrouded in silence. These challenges fueled her determination to create Menstrupedia, ensuring future generations receive accurate and stigma-free menstrual education.

Despite societal limitations, Aditi pursued her education passionately. She completed her schooling in Jharkhand, graduated in Engineering, and later attended the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, where she met her future husband and co-founder, Tuhin Paul. It was during a project at NID that she realized the glaring lack of accessible menstrual education, the need for culturally sensitive resources, and the power of visual storytelling in breaking taboos.

In 2012, Aditi, along with Tuhin Paul and Rajat Mittal, launched Menstrupedia, using comics as a primary tool for education. Comics were chosen because they are engaging, easy to understand, and help transcend literacy barriers, making conversations about menstruation more approachable. However, the journey wasn’t easy. Menstrupedia faced resistance from conservative communities, struggled with funding limitations, and encountered distribution hurdles. Despite these challenges, Aditi’s commitment to menstrual awareness helped her navigate obstacles and expand Menstrupedia’s reach.

Today, Menstrupedia has been used in over 12,000 schools, translated into 16 languages, and has impacted millions of young girls globally. Aditi’s revolutionary work has earned her numerous accolades, including Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, the Women Transform India Award, and the Ashoka Innovators for the Public Fellowship.

As Aditi continues to expand Menstrupedia’s impact through new educational resources and global partnerships, her journey serves as an inspiration for social entrepreneurs. Her story is a testament to how personal experiences, combined with innovation and determination, can break taboos and create lasting social change.