RISHI Projects
Project RISHI at UCLA is committed to creating lasting change through our diverse campaigns and programs. While we maintain a clear mission, we employ a broad range of strategies to address critical issues within the South Asian community, including water sanitation, healthcare, and women's and community empowerment.
Learn more about our initiatives and get involved yourself.
Reproductive Health
About Our Project
Our Reproductive Health team is currently working on a project in Vadamanappakkam, Tamil Nadu that aims to empower women and adolescent girls through sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and the promotion of sustainable menstrual practices. Through our partnership with Anahat Unnati, an NGO local to Tamil Nadu, and conversations with women within the community, we observed significant discomfort with disposable pads and a pervasive stigma surrounding menstrual health, which hindered open discussions. To address this, we developed and implemented a six-month module-based workshop plan with Anahat to introduce SRH concepts and empower women to take control of their reproductive health. Anahat helped educate women on various tissues, including understanding the Female Reproductive System, menstrual cycles, family planning, sexual health, harassment, domestic violence, and how to make reusable pads. Additionally, we taught participants how to sew their own cloth pads, fostering sustainability and self-reliance. This initiative aimed to break the silence around menstrual health and equip women with the knowledge and skills to improve their health and self-efficacy.All seminars had time for discussion amongst the women to help break down stigmas that can make such conversations difficult. Though initially targeted towards women, adolescent girls took a keen interest in SRH and the workshops. As a result, the girls also participated in similar workshops held by Anahat. The goal is to help create sustainable practices while providing the space for women to take charge of their own SRH.