The journey of Mitaali Collectives Foundation began long before its formal registration, rooted in the narrow lanes of urban bastis, remote rural villages, and the resolve of a young woman determined to create change. While working on grassroots initiatives, our founder Bhumika Rawat encountered a painful reality—millions of girls and women living in silence, stigma, and suffering related to their own bodies. She listened to stories shaped by shame, witnessed inhumane hygiene conditions, and saw girls miss school and families follow myths instead of knowledge.

During this time, Bhumika faced her own health challenges and was diagnosed with PCOS, an experience that revealed how little even educated women are taught about their reproductive health. This personal awakening exposed a larger systemic gap where women are expected to manage their health without information, education, or choice. Menstrual health education was absent, sustainable options were scarce, and harmful taboos continued to dictate everyday life.