In many parts of our country, women face numerous restrictions during their menstrual cycles. They are often banned from touching food items, entering temples, and even from the kitchen. Although times are changing and mindsets are evolving, such practices still persist in many places. Aditi Gupta emerged as a social entrepreneur to combat these societal evils and spread awareness among women.
Aditi founded ‘Menstrupedia Comic,’ a campaign aimed at educating people about menstrual health. But how did this journey begin, and what personal experiences drove Aditi to take this path?
Who is Aditi Gupta of Menstrupedia Comic?
Aditi hails from Garhwa, Jharkhand, where she witnessed firsthand how women were treated as untouchables during their periods. Basic awareness about sanitary napkins was lacking. Aditi herself started menstruating at the age of 12 but only gained access to sanitary napkins at 15.
Turning a College Project into a Business Model
After completing her engineering degree, Aditi pursued post-graduation in New Media Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. She decided to leverage her education and skills for societal benefit. Along with her husband, Tuhin Patel, she started ‘Menstrupedia Comic’—initially a college thesis project that later transformed into a full-fledged endeavor. Tuhin and Aditi met during their studies at the National Institute of Design.
To launch this comic, Aditi conducted extensive research on menstruation, consulting doctors, experts, and girls. The comic addresses periods and the associated social evils, aiming to raise awareness among girls. These comics were distributed in schools.
Global Reach and Recognition
Gradually, Aditi expanded her work, supplementing the comic books with blogs and online publications. Today, Aditi’s comics are available in 25 countries and 18 languages, educating people on women’s health issues globally.
Aditi is now recognized as the world’s “Most Innovative Menstrual Educator” and a prominent social entrepreneur, having educated over 13 million girls. She started “Menstrupedia Comic” in 2012, and by 2014, she was listed in Forbes India’s “30 Under 30.” Today, NGOs across the country utilize her comics.
Aditi Gupta’s success story has become an inspiration for countless girls around the world.
