As part of the mentorship program and the school’s initiative to promote health awareness and informed dialogue, an insightful session on menstrual health and women’s well-being was conducted by Dr. Ushma Pulkit Maniar, MBBS, DGO, CIMP, FICOG, Founder and Proprietor of Devamrut Hospital, Vadodara, and Vadodara Menopause Clinic.
A distinguished gynaecologist and recipient of The Times Icon Award 2023, Dr. Ushma has also contributed to medical literature through her article on Tibolone, published in the Menopause Handbook for AICOG 2026. She is actively associated with several professional bodies, including FOGSI, BOGS and the Menopause Society, and has served as faculty at various prestigious national and zonal medical conferences.
The session addressed menstruation as a natural biological process and explored the social taboos and misconceptions surrounding periods. Dr. Ushma encouraged students to speak openly about menstruation and explained how certain traditional practices that prescribed rest to women may have originated in a different social and historical context. She urged students to distinguish between genuine health requirements and restrictions perpetuated merely by social convention.
A key focus of the session was HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention. Dr. Ushma emphasised the importance of timely vaccination and encouraged students and families to make informed decisions regarding preventive healthcare. The session also highlighted the importance of awareness, early prevention and open conversations in safeguarding women’s health.
The interaction proved to be an enlightening and empowering experience, encouraging students to challenge outdated taboos and approach menstrual health with knowledge, dignity and openness.
