Anusha Attree: A 20-Year-Old Changemaker Sets Out to Destigmatize Menstruation

On a subject that remains taboo around the globe, Anusha Attree, a 20-year-old woman from New Delhi, is emerging as a beacon of change. As a South Asian girl, Anusha was acutely aware of the expectations placed on girls and women during their menstrual cycle.

Comments like "girls should not go to the kitchen" or "girls should not go to the temple" during menstruation were frequently heard in her home. These cultural taboos not only angered her but also fueled her determination to fight against such injustices. Anusha is on a mission to champion menstrual health and women's rights, challenging deeply ingrained societal norms and advocating for change.

Anusha Attree is an outstanding young woman who started her path as a changemaker early. The challenges she faced during her childhood and adolescence in a society where menstruation is a taboo subject deeply affected her. She empathized with the struggles many females, especially those from low-income backgrounds, endure regarding primary healthcare (PHC). Fueled by a strong sense of justice and a desire to increase awareness, Anusha decided to take action.

Championing Change: The Journey of Anusha Attree

In 2020, Anusha took on a leadership role in the Girl Up Adira Club, a campaign affiliated with Girl Up India under the United Nations Foundation. This organization focuses on girls' and women's equity, particularly in areas where their voices are often neglected. Being involved with Girl Up Adira helped Anusha turn advocacy into action, positively impacting many lives.

Additionally, she established WarriorsWithoutCause, an organization dedicated to championing innovative change and advocacy for women’s health. Through this organization, Anusha has addressed various issues affecting women’s health and welfare, enhancing her reputation as a changemaker.

During the pandemic, her commitment to proper menstrual health intensified, leading to the formation of WarriorsWithoutCause in 2020. The NGO focuses on healthcare, education, employment, and nutrition for those on the lower social scale. Anusha's efforts have impacted over 300,000 people across more than 15 slums in India.

As the Founder and President of the Girl Up Adira Club, Anusha has organized various initiatives promoting gender equality and addressing critical social issues, including domestic violence and the denial of rights to LGBTQIA community members. Her academic pursuits are complemented by internships with the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the United Nations Academic Impact, where she learned advocacy and social service.

One of Anusha's focal areas is menstrual hygiene and management (MHM), a cause she is deeply passionate about due to her own experiences with menstrual myths and taboos. Recognizing the challenges women face due to a lack of access to sanitary products and menstrual health education, Anusha focused on driving change.

On Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2023, Anusha spearheaded the 'Paint It Red' project, collecting over 100 sanitary pad packets for women in need in Delhi. This initiative was followed by a menstrual hygiene awareness session featuring activities like Period Bingo and Menstrual Hygiene Pong, encouraging girls to discuss menstrual myths openly.

At WarriorsWithoutCause, Anusha conducts monthly menstrual hygiene camps under the 'Swasthya Raksha' project. These camps distribute hygiene product kits, offer health checkups, and provide awareness classes on topics such as cervical cancer.

Anusha Attree's journey from a young girl facing societal taboos to a determined advocate for women's health and rights exemplifies the power of resilience and dedication. Through her efforts, she continues to inspire and make a significant impact on her community and beyond.

The Impact of Anusha Attree's Advocacy

The social responsiveness demonstrated by Anusha Attree has undoubtedly transformed the societies she touches. By focusing on menstrual health and management, Anusha has significantly enhanced the lives of many women. Her projects have not only provided essential resources but also initiated important conversations about periods and the fight against stigmatization.

Women who have participated in Anusha’s programs are more confident and better equipped to handle issues surrounding menstruation. Anusha’s work also fosters social inclusion by engaging men and boys in menstrual health advocacy. This inclusiveness helps break cultural taboos about menstruation, encouraging communities to embrace and support the practice.

Through her diligence and determination, Anusha has inspired many youths to get involved in societal causes. Her journey is a testament to the power of girl power, youth activism, and the profound difference one person can make. By leading campaigns that address emergencies and provide urgent assistance to individuals of all genders, Anusha is creating a safer and more supportive environment for those in need.

Vision for a Better Future

Anusha’s vision is a world where menstruation is understood and supported, where women experiencing this natural process are listened to and aided. She continues to be a driving force in encouraging people to support this noble cause, championing change to address gender and cultural disparities for minority groups.

Anusha’s efforts have greatly benefited organizations like Girl Up Adira and WarriorsWithoutCause, empowering girls by providing them with the necessities to manage their periods. Her remarkable journey teaches the importance of ending taboos and supporting menstrual hygiene, inspiring others to join in her mission for a more inclusive and understanding society.

Through her unwavering commitment, Anusha Attree is paving the way for a future where menstrual health is normalized and celebrated, and where women are empowered to live healthier, more confident lives.