The powerful transformation in Jayshri’s journey and that of countless other women in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was made possible by the dedicated efforts of grassroots champions and the unwavering support of development partners. With consistent backing from Samhita and under the close guidance of Dinesh Nawale, Project Officer at CYDA, the WHOLA initiative has empowered women to break taboos, reclaim their health, and take charge of their futures.
Introduction: A Struggle for Health in Silence
In the quiet rural village near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where traditions and taboos still hold dominance, women like Jayshri Shinde face a numerous challenge, especially when it comes to their health. At 26, she was already familiar with the struggles of balancing household duties, caring for her family and dealing with her own health issues—health issues that, for too long, have been ignored or misunderstood.
Menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and general self-care were subjects rarely spoken about, and when they were, it was surrounded by stigma and discomfort. Jayshri, like many women in her village, faced recurring health problems, but was hesitant to seek help, bound by the cultural norms that discouraged open discussions about such topics. However, this all changed when she became part of the Women Health and Livelihood Alliance (WHOLA) program through CYDA.
Come lets go deeper and hear, how these challenges have been resolved and how Jayshri took a step in addressing her transformation both personally and for her community.
The Struggle: Health Ignored in the Face of Tradition
For years, Jayshri did not think much about her health. She always felt tired, and she could not take proper care of herself during her periods because she did not have basic sanitary products. Cultural barriers prevented her from seeking help and discussing these issues with her family or healthcare providers. Her reproductive health suffered, and her struggles intensified with each passing month. When it came to her children, particularly her daughters, Jayshri feared that they would one day inherit this same silence about their bodies. Yet, deep down, she was frustrated. She wanted better for them, but she did not know how to break free from the cycle of ignorance.
The Turning Point
Everything changed when Jayshri attended a community meeting organized by local health workers through WHOLA. At first, she was skeptical, unsure of what to expect from such an initiative. Cultural norms, deeply ingrained in her upbringing, still held her back. But the inviting, non-judgmental atmosphere of the session was different from anything she had ever experienced before. For the first time, she felt like someone truly cared about her health and well-being.
Jayshri attended WHOLA’s health sessions, learning about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and self-care. Trainers provided practical solutions during the sessions. WHOLA introduced affordable, reusable sanitary products, helping women manage their health without financial strain. The knowledge she gained was both empowering and life-changing.
But the real breakthrough came when the trainers and fellow participants supported Jayshri in dispelling the myths and taboos that surrounded her health. It was the beginning of a personal transformation—a journey of self-awareness and confidence in managing her health.
Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Resistance at Home
However, Jayshri’s journey was not without hurdles. As she became more empowered with knowledge, she faced significant resistance from her family. The idea of discussing menstruation and reproductive health openly was not only unfamiliar but uncomfortable for her husband and elders. Even though she faced opposition, Jayshri did not give up. She had found a newfound strength in herself, and the health of her family, especially her daughters, was now her top priority.
Instead of backing down, she continued to attend the sessions, leaning on the support system she had found in the other women. Through this solidarity, she gained the courage to slowly but surely speak up at home. She explained to her family that her health was just as important as anyone else’s.
From a Learner to a Leader: Empowering Others
Jayshri’s health improved remarkably. With better hygiene and self-care, her fatigue faded, her energy grew, and her confidence flourished. She realized health wasn’t just personal—it had to be shared. Inspired by her journey, she became a health advocate in her village. She organized informal gatherings, urging neighbours’ to join WHOLA’s sessions and learn about their health. Her story of struggle and empowerment deeply connected with other women. As a result, she became a trusted and respected figure, inspiring women who had long been ignored in health matters. Jayshri’s efforts created lasting change in her community.
A Community Transformed
Jayshri’s advocacy reached many people beyond her own circle. She worked hard and inspired over 80 women to join the WHOLA program and focus on their well-being. These women then started speaking up for themselves and their families. Change was happening. Topics like menstrual hygiene and reproductive health were no longer secret or avoided. People talked about them openly, just as they always should have.
The community began to see a small crucial change. Women started taking care of their health, families gave more support, and the whole village started accepting the idea that women empowerment comes through health awareness.
Long-Term Impact: Building a Legacy of Health and Awareness
Today, Jayshri is recognized as a local leader—a woman who broke the silence and changed the course of many lives. Her journey from a hesitant participant to a community leader is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and support. Jayshri’s impact remains in the women she has helped and the ongoing conversations in her village. Her efforts have not only improved her family’s health but have also built a culture where women’s health is valued and supported.
