Aditi Gupta, a prominent Indian author and co-founder of Menstrupedia Comic, has played a pivotal role in challenging societal norms and raising awareness about menstruation. Her evolution from an engineering graduate to a passionate advocate for menstrual hygiene and education holds not only inspiration but also significant relevance in a country like India, where menstruation stigma and misconceptions persist.
Early Years and Inspirations
Hailing from Garhwa, Jharkhand, India, Aditi Gupta pursued her post-graduate studies in new media design at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. It was during her time at NID that she crossed paths with her future husband, Tuhin Paul, marking the commencement of a transformative journey that aimed to reshape societal perceptions surrounding menstruation in India.
One of the driving forces behind Aditi’s mission was the realisation that, despite being highly educated, many people remained uninformed about the nuances of menstruation. She herself experienced her first menstruation at 12 but only received formal education about it at 15, a common experience for many girls in India. Aditi grappled with age-old traditions that restricted her entry into places of worship, sitting on others’ beds, and compelled her to wash and dry her clothes separately. Additionally, she was prohibited from using available sanitary napkins due to perceived threats to her family’s honour.
Career and Menstrupedia
Aditi Gupta’s personal encounters and observations propelled her into action. Engaging in a year-long, in-depth study on menstruation, she gathered insights from doctors and girls alike. This research laid the groundwork for her groundbreaking initiative, Menstrupedia.
In November 2012, Aditi and Tuhin Paul established Menstrupedia as a thesis project during their tenure at NID, Ahmedabad. Originally a website, Menstrupedia has evolved into an informative platform educating pre-teens and teenagers about puberty, sexuality, and menstruation.
Menstrupedia has been a transformative force in India and beyond, offering a user-friendly guide to menstruation, hygiene, and puberty while dispelling associated myths. The platform features comic books, blogs, a Q&A section, and a Learn section, with Menstrupedia’s comics available in fourteen languages and reaching over 18 countries.
Aditi Gupta has actively ensured Menstrupedia’s knowledge reaches the masses by successfully implementing its materials in schools across five states in North India. These comic books have been embraced by students, parents, and teachers, breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and empowering the youth.
Campaigns and Recognition
In collaboration with Whisper India, Aditi Gupta and Menstrupedia have initiated impactful campaigns, including the “Touch the Pickle” movement, aimed at dispelling myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. This movement has garnered celebrity support from figures like Shraddha Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Kalki Koechlin, Neha Dhupia, and Mandira Bedi.
Aditi Gupta’s outstanding work and dedication have garnered recognition. In 2014, she earned a place in the Forbes India 30 Under 30 list, a testament to her influence and unwavering commitment to menstrual hygiene and education.
Today, Menstrupedia attracts around one lakh visitors monthly, showcasing its significant impact in raising awareness about menstruation. Aditi’s comic books are not confined to schools but have been embraced by NGOs such as Protsahan, Munshi Jagannath Bhagwan Smriti Sansthan, Instincts, Kanha, and even two Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh.
Aditi Gupta’s journey serves as an inspiration for global advocates for change and stigma eradication. Through Menstrupedia, she has not only reshaped perceptions of menstruation but has also equipped young girls and boys with the knowledge they deserve. Aditi’s trajectory from a small town in India to the global stage exemplifies the transformative power of one person’s determination to make a difference, one comic book at a time.
