“You are the architect of your life.”
(Kalpana Saroj, India’s first self-made female entrepreneur)
Women have made significant strides in recent decades in breaking down barriers and entering industries that were once considered the exclusive domain of men. From the boardroom to more, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
The corporate world has also been traditionally dominated by men, with women often facing limited opportunities for advancement and leadership positions. However, a wave of female entrepreneurs and business leaders is breaking down these barriers, challenging the status quo and redefining the landscape of business and finance. Women are not only breaking barriers in the corporate world, but they are also making a difference in the lives of other women and girls. Many women leaders are using their platforms to advocate for gender equality and to inspire other women to pursue their dreams.
Not every day do we get to see entrepreneurs who start their journey to make a change or with a commitment to instigate transformation. One such trailblazer is Aditi Gupta, Co-founder of Menstrupedia, which is breaking down taboos in society and fostering widespread awareness.
Despite the strides made in modern times, traditional societal norms and long-standing beliefs persist in labeling girls as ‘unwell’ or ‘unhealthy’, during their menstrual cycles. These beliefs restrict their access to the kitchen, sacred spaces, and often mandate separate sleeping arrangements within their households. Aditi Gupta’s vision behind establishing Menstrupedia was to impart knowledge about menstruation and puberty not only to women but also to men.
Established in 2012 during Aditi Gupta’s tenure as a student at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, Menstrupedia emerged as a responses to the prevalent ignorance she found around menstruation, especially among the well-educated. Harnessing this inspiration, she conceptualized Menstrupedia—a pioneering comic book meticulously designed to provide accurate, lucid, and comprehensive information about menstruation.
Menstrupedia is a prime example of how women are using their platforms to educate and empower others, particularly in areas where there is a lack of awareness and understanding. As more women rise to leadership positions and advocate for gender equality, we can expect to see even greater progress in the years to come. In this particular example and similar stories like it, through education and awareness campaigns, women are dispelling the myths that have perpetuated negative stereotypes and discrimination towards menstruating women. Through these types of ventures, women are also challenging the traditional patriarchal structures. They are reclaiming their bodies and their stories, creating a new narrative that empowers women and celebrates their resilience.
In their pursuit of success, women entrepreneurs are reshaping traditional business paradigms, breaking barriers, and driving innovation. Through determination, vision, and resilience, they are trailblazing new paths, fostering a more inclusive and thriving business landscape.
