As Teachers’ Day approaches, it’s a time for reflection and gratitude. We often think about the educators who have shaped our lives, imparting not just knowledge, but values and strength. At The Girl Foundation, this day holds a special place in our hearts because our story is deeply intertwined with the experiences of a dedicated teacher—our founder, Rohini Naidu.
Rohini Naidu’s journey as an educator began with a simple yet profound love for teaching. She believed that every child, regardless of their background, deserved access to quality education. For years, she poured her heart into her work, shaping young minds in classrooms across rural and urban India. But as she moved from one school to another, she couldn’t help but notice a disturbing trend: many girls were missing school, falling behind, and eventually dropping out altogether. The reason? A lack of access to sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene management, and the pervasive issue of period poverty.
In many of the schools where Rohini taught, girls would often stay home during their menstrual cycles because they didn’t have the necessary resources to manage their periods with dignity. Some used old cloths, others resorted to unsafe practices, and many were simply too ashamed to attend school. The stigma surrounding menstruation was overwhelming, and these young girls were paying the price with their education and their futures.
As a teacher, Rohini couldn’t stand by and watch this happen. She knew that something had to change, and she was determined to be a part of that change. That’s when The Girl Foundation was born—a grassroots organization dedicated to breaking the silence around menstrual health, providing access to sanitary products, and ensuring that no girl has to choose between her education and her dignity.
Starting an NGO was no small feat, but Rohini’s experience as a teacher had equipped her with the perseverance and compassion needed to make a difference. She began by organizing workshops in schools, where she would educate both girls and boys about menstrual health, debunking myths and breaking down the stigma that kept so many girls silent. She partnered with local communities to distribute sanitary pads and worked tirelessly to ensure that every school she touched had the resources to support girls during their periods.
Rohini’s passion and commitment didn’t stop at just providing resources. She understood that true change required more than just handing out sanitary pads; it needed a shift in mindset, a new way of thinking that could empower girls and communities alike. She began developing comprehensive menstrual hygiene management programs, training teachers and community leaders to become advocates for menstrual health.
These programs focused not only on educating girls about their bodies but also on involving boys, parents, and teachers in the conversation. Rohini believed that by normalizing discussions about menstruation, she could help dismantle the taboos that had held girls back for generations. Schools began to transform into safer, more supportive environments where girls could learn without fear or shame.
One of the most profound moments in Rohini’s journey came when she encountered a group of young girls who had previously been too embarrassed to attend school during their periods. After participating in one of The Girl Foundation’s workshops, these girls returned to school with newfound confidence. They no longer saw menstruation as a curse, but as a natural part of life that should never stand in the way of their education.
This transformation wasn’t just seen in the girls; teachers, too, began to change. They started to see their role as more than just educators—they became mentors, advocates, and allies in the fight against period poverty. Inspired by Rohini’s example, many teachers began to actively support the foundation’s efforts, organizing their own workshops and ensuring that menstrual health education became a permanent part of their school’s curriculum.
As The Girl Foundation grew, so did its impact. What began as a small initiative in a handful of schools soon spread to entire communities. Rohini’s vision was clear: to create a world where no girl is left behind because of something as natural as menstruation. Today, the foundation continues to expand its reach, providing not only sanitary products but also comprehensive education on menstrual health, safety, and hygiene to thousands of girls across India.
On this Teachers’ Day, we at The Girl Foundation want to celebrate not just the teachers in classrooms but also the teacher who started it all—Rohini Naidu. Her journey from educator to activist is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. She took the challenges she saw in her classroom and turned them into a mission to empower girls everywhere.
Rohini’s story is a testament to the idea that education is more than just academics; it’s about equipping young people with the tools they need to face the world with confidence and dignity. As we honor teachers on this special day, we also renew our commitment to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn and thrive, free from the barriers of period poverty and stigma.
To all the teachers out there, we thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your belief in the power of education. And to our founder, Rohini Naidu, we thank you for your courage, your vision, and your unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for girls everywhere.
This Teachers’ Day, let us all be inspired to make a difference—just as Rohini did. Let us continue to empower, educate, and uplift the next generation, ensuring that every girl has the chance to reach her full potential. Together, we can create a future where education is a right, not a privilege, and where no girl is held back by something as simple and natural as her period.
