Editor’s Note: This article is a part of #YoungWarrior, a pan-India movement led by the young people of India and an initiative by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), YuWaah, UNICEF India and partners across the Public & Private sectors, UN bodies and CSOs. Partaking in this movement, young people have taken centre-stage during the COVID-19 pandemic to lead the country from the front, through positive tools such civic action, mental health, skilling and community welfare. Gearing towards the upcoming International Youth Day on 12th August, 2021, join us in recognizing and celebrating the inspiring stories of these young warriors and share your story on how you’ve been a shining young warrior in these times too!
As an outspoken and fearless young woman, Krishna draws inspiration from another courageous woman, Kiran Bedi. Her volunteering journey began on her 18th birthday, and she has volunteered for various organizations that have shaped her thoughts and vision to start her own NGO, Little4change, in 2019.
Little4change brings together two of Krishna’s passions: advocacy for menstrual hygiene and a sustainable environment. Menstrual stigma is the most significant barrier in attaining menstrual hygiene in India. Krishna has been holding awareness sessions in her city to eradicate this stigma. These gatherings allow women to talk freely about periods.
“I organize events to educate women about proper menstrual hygiene. Little4Change has adopted two slums in Ahmedabad, and every month we provide biodegradable menstrual products to women and adolescent girls. We have also started Kamakhya, which is a period bank where women contribute menstrual products,” she says.
Krishna believes that these awareness efforts are creating an impact: “When we went on a pad drive this year, all the menstrual products were gone in two minutes. The women were so happy and came forward without any fear. I saw this as a small achievement against period stigma.”
As a young warrior, Krishna has been volunteering to support mental health. She has been spending time with many senior citizens in her community who are all alone, and she is part of the safe spaces team for young warriors.
“Through the YPAT network, I met the most significant collaborator for my menstrual project, and not only did I find a collaborator, but I also made an amazing friend,” she adds.
After her graduation in Physics, Krishna, who has self-funded her university education, wants to pursue research in quantum mechanics. Simultaneously, she wants to get her NGO registered. Krishna advises other women and young people to be financially independent.
“I am very conscious about money and on what I spend. Young people must learn to manage money at an early age and spend less on irrelevant things instead start an investment strategy,” she says.
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