Press release

This Women’s Day, let’s talk about period education and why it’s important!

Dutee Chand and Bhumi Pednekar have one thing in common: they both support empowering girls with education to achieve their dreams!

After a rollercoaster of a ride in 2020, this year promises to be a bundle of hope and positivity. On this International Women’s Day, let us take a look at why the celebration of a woman is more important than ever, and how we can help achieve this year’s theme - Women In Leadership - set by the International Women’s Development Agency. While the COVID-19 pandemic affected people from all walks of life, it had an adverse impact on girls and women, further making it hard to achieve a social balance. 

Studies have shown that even today, 2.3 crore girls drop out of school at the onset of their periods and 71% of adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation till they get their first period. Adding to the challenges, the global pandemic has impacted 74 crore schoolgirls, and could severely affect their return to school, according to UNESCO. In order for us to recover from the ramifications of the pandemic, we need to amplify women’s voices to further align with human rights. Education is not just a pathway towards a job and a career, but a powerful tool which can create ripples of confidence, zeal and influence within society. 

Imagine if you start talking about periods openly with your children and your family! You can play a change maker in society just by starting the conversation. In my hometown many young girls still do not know what periods are until they reach puberty and I have been trying to change that through my interactions with them. I believe period education is the key to empowering young girls and giving them the confidence to achieve their dreams. I encourage everyone to talk about periods openly and look at period education as an important inclusion in schools. Every single one of our girls is a leader waiting to happen!
Dutee Chand, Professional athlete and a true leader
To achieve a sustainable and equal future, we can’t afford to have girls drop out of school, which unfortunately still is the reality for many young women when they hit puberty. This is not a woman’s issue – it needs to involve everyone in order to change attitudes and perceptions about menstruation. UNESCO is proud to partner with Whisper in a joint effort to #KeepGirlsInSchool. Investing in girls’ education is an investment for society as a whole.
Eric Falt, UNESCO New Delhi Director

This year Whisper launched the second edition of its flagship #KeepGirlsInSchool campaign and partnered with UNESCO to shed light on the impact of 2.3 Crore girls dropping out of school - leading to 2.3 Crore unfulfilled dreams - due to lack of period education and protection.

I wanted to be a doctor when I grow up. For me being a doctor was by far one of the most noble professions ever, giving me the opportunity to save lives. But, this is not my story. This is Rhea’s story and her dream which she could not fulfill once her period started. Because of the lack of education, knowledge and protection Rhea’s dreams were completely shattered and she is not alone. Every year 2.3 crore girls go through this. This is something that needs our support, join Whisper and UNESCO in #KeepGirlsInSchool. Every time you buy Whisper Ultra, Whisper and UNESCO will educate one girl on menstrual hygiene and will provide her with free menstrual products only because she deserves to be in school.
Bhumi Pednekar, Indian Actor

With education, a woman can be more self-dependent and less dependent on her family or other support systems. This helps to close the gap between social classes and enhances her wellbeing by supporting not just her mental freedom but also financial. An educated girl child contributes to economic growth nationally, bringing up the country’s literacy level as well.  

As we focus on the future by creating positive moments today, we would like to cheer for all the girls who strive to go to school despite strong barriers, and build an inclusive system one day at a time. Here’s to more solidarity to our sisters - may you show the way to the less aware!