Leading the Simply Periods Initiative in Uttar Pradesh is a deeply meaningful journey for me. As the Research Lead on the initiative, I have the privilege of working alongside the Simply Sports Foundation (SSF) and Capri Global/UP Warriorz, a partnership that is focused on changing the way we talk about menstrual health for female athletes. Our goal is to move beyond old taboos, bring awareness, and offer real, practical support to help athletes manage their menstrual health in a way that complements their training and performance. It’s about giving them the knowledge and space to care for their bodies and break free from the silence around menstruation in sports.
Supporting Athletes Across Uttar Pradesh
The Simply Periods Initiative has already reached over 777 athletes across Uttar Pradesh, with 19 workshops held in cities like Lucknow, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Bhadohi, and Varanasi. Many of these athletes come from humble backgrounds and have shared their struggles with menstrual pain during competitions, confusion about nutrition, and limited access to menstrual products.
In Lucknow, a swimmer shared, “Managing my period during long practice hours in the pool was tough. The workshop helped me learn about different period products, and I’m now exploring options to manage my cycle better during practice. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m hopeful.” While we haven’t yet measured the immediate changes in product use or menstrual health habits, it’s clear that opening up the conversation is already making a positive difference.
Period Tracking: A Tool for Reflection and Self-Awareness
A key component of the Simply Periods Initiative is Meri Khel Yatra, our engaging period-tracking diary. Designed with vibrant colors and interactive activities like Eat Like a Rainbow and the Athlete Plate, the diary helps athletes track their cycles and understand nutrition. These activities make learning about menstrual health fun and accessible.
Through Meri Khel Yatra, athletes are becoming more aware of how their menstrual cycle affects their performance. By reflecting on their cycles, they can identify patterns and adjust their training accordingly. This self-awareness is the first step towards behavior change, helping athletes make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
While we continue to monitor the long-term impact, the conversations sparked by this tool are already empowering athletes to better understand and manage their menstrual health. With ongoing reflection, we hope to foster a deeper connection to their bodies and create lasting change in their athletic journey.
A track athlete mentioned, “I never understood why my energy levels would dip. Now I’m starting to see patterns that might be related to my cycle, and I’m working with my coach to adjust my training accordingly.” These early insights highlight a growing understanding of the link between menstrual health and athletic performance, though further tracking and analysis will be necessary for more conclusive results.
The Hands-On Approach: Going Beyond Workshops
What sets this initiative apart is the hands-on involvement of the Simply Periods team. Alongside conducting workshops, my colleagues Renu, Payal, and Supriya have visited sports hostels, shared meals with athletes, and had open conversations with both athletes and coaches. These grassroots engagements have revealed unique challenges, including misconceptions about diet during menstruation and limited access to nutritious foods.
During our travels, we were fortunate to witness the rich cultural diversity of Uttar Pradesh. In Gorakhpur, we arrived just after Chaat Puja, which gave us a deeper understanding of the local customs.
In Varanasi, we had the chance to experience the awe-inspiring Dev Deepavali, learning about the city’s spiritual traditions. Lucknow, with its blend of history, art, and cuisine, left a lasting impression on us as well. Similarly, in Prayagraj, the city’s vibrant culture added more context to our work.
As our team reflects, “Understanding the culture and environment of these places helps us connect more meaningfully with the athletes, not just on menstrual health, but with their broader lives and experiences.”
Understanding Cultural and Socioeconomic Realities
Menstrual health education in Uttar Pradesh goes beyond the physical aspects; it requires a deep understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence each athlete’s life. Across the region, athletes face challenges such as limited access to affordable menstrual products and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. These barriers often complicate conversations around menstrual health, but overcoming them requires empathy, education, and trust-building.
One coach from Lucknow shared, “At first, I thought the girls were just making excuses to avoid practice. After attending the workshops, I began tracking their cycles and realized the impact of their menstrual health on their training. This has changed how I approach coaching.” Such shifts in perspective among coaches show that our initiative is fostering a more informed and supportive training environment.
Moving Towards Lasting Change
While the Simply Periods Initiative is still in its early stages, the conversations around menstrual health are already beginning to create a shift. Athletes are becoming more proactive about their health, seeking medical advice for menstrual symptoms, and making informed dietary choices. We witnessed athletes incorporating energy-boosting foods like spinach, dates, moringa powder, and jaggery into their diets, especially after discussions about these foods’ benefits for menstrual health and energy.
During our visits, we saw moringa trees growing in the hostel backyards of Gorakhpur, which sparked a conversation with athletes about how moringa can be used to boost iron levels, an important factor for menstruating athletes. This localized approach to nutritional education made the connection between food and performance even more tangible.
(Fig.12: Ms. Renu, engaging and explaining the athletes in Varanasi during the workshop)
We also heard from an athlete in Ayodhya who shared her experience of heavy white discharge. Although she had previously consulted a healthcare professional, after attending the workshop, she became more aware of her symptoms. With her coach’s support, she consulted a gynecologist, who recommended further testing, including a USG, for a more targeted diagnosis. This instance highlighted the positive impact of raising awareness, leading to athletes taking charge of their health and seeking proper medical care.
These small but significant changes—whether it’s making dietary adjustments or seeking professional medical advice—are the stepping stones toward creating a broader cultural shift in how menstruation is understood and managed in sports.
Challenges and Future Directions
Though we’ve made tremendous progress, we continue to face challenges. Economic constraints still limit access to sanitary products, and deeply ingrained cultural myths require ongoing education and awareness campaigns. But we are committed to continuing our work with athletes and coaches, overcoming these barriers together.
As Payal (a fellow team member) aptly puts it, “This isn’t just about periods or sports. It’s about equity, dignity, and ensuring that every girl has the tools she needs to thrive.”
A Journey of Collaboration and Growth
For me and the team, this journey has been just as much about learning as it has been about teaching. Every workshop, every meal shared, and every conversation had with the athletes has deepened our understanding of their world. From the bustling streets of Lucknow to the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti, every experience has reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity in driving meaningful change.
The Simply Periods Initiative in Uttar Pradesh is about more than just teaching menstrual health. It’s about creating a space where menstruation is no longer a taboo but a natural part of every athlete’s journey. We aim to help young women feel confident, strong, and proud of their bodies as they continue to grow and thrive.
Author – Manasi Satalkar, Simply Periods Initiative, Simply Sport Foundation
