In the remote villages of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Menstruation, traditionally a subject shrouded in silence, is becoming a topic of open discussion and support, due to the extraordinary efforts of ordinary men who are challenging regressive norms and fostering a more inclusive environment. 

These young men gather every two weeks, as part of a group called YUVAW. Supported by UNFPA India and CECOEDECON, YUVAW (Youth United to address Violence Against Women) is a platform for boys and men to challenge traditional notions of masculinity in the district of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. 

Their journey to imbibe positive masculinity is exemplified in the stories of Manish and Hariram, be it in football fields or the verandahs of their home.
 

Manish Kumar’s advocacy on and off the field

"These girls are exceptional players with the potential to excel, and I support them fully, both on and off the field," says 19-year-old Manish Kumar, the football coach who has helped transform the lives of young women in Rawal gram panchayat. 

His commitment goes beyond coaching; he ensures that his players have everything they need, even during menstruation. "If they get their periods, I arrange pads for them. During tournaments in other states, I also ensure clean washroom facilities are available."

But this was not always the case. When Manish first began training girls in football over two years ago, he faced ridicule and skepticism. Boys in the village questioned his motives, mocking him and suggesting that he was "wasting" his time and energy on girls’ football. Yet, despite the taunts, Manish remained undeterred, driven by a deep belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of gender.

His persistence soon bore fruit. As the girls under his coaching began excelling at both district and national levels, the community’s perception of girls in sports shifted dramatically. The same coach who had once been ridiculed became a local hero, celebrated for unlocking the hidden talents of young women in the village.

Manish’s journey toward championing the empowerment of women and girls began with a different kind of curiosity. He had joined YUVAW after seeing other boys from his village participate in meetings. What started as a mere interest turned into a learning experience that opened his eyes to critical issues like gender awareness and menstruation. 

He began to question traditional gender roles and stereotypes, recognizing their harmful effects on himself and the people around him. "I stayed because of the knowledge I gained," he says. The workshops and community meetings reshaped his perspective, especially on topics like menstruation, which were rarely discussed openly.

A pivotal moment came during a tournament in Pali in 2022. "One of the girls on my team got her period, but there were no clean facilities available for her to use," Manish recalls. It was then that he realized that if his team were to truly excel, they would need more than just training—they needed basic resources to be able to focus entirely on the game.

Today, Manish’s influence goes beyond the football field. His openness about menstruation extends into his personal life, too. He now talks openly with his sister about periods, a stark contrast to his previous reluctance to address the subject.

What began as a simple coaching endeavor has grown into a movement of empowerment. Manish Kumar’s story is not just about football; it’s about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for young women in a society where their potential had long been overlooked. And as his players continue to thrive, Manish’s belief in the power of equal opportunities, regardless of gender, only grows stronger.

Hariram Verma’s recipe for equality

"It is her body, her choice," says Hariram Verma, the 22-year-old peer educator with YUVAW, as he reflects on the importance of empowering women and challenging deep rooted gender norms in his community.

Hariram is not just challenging outdated norms; he is actively reshaping them. One of the most significant norms he addresses is the restriction on girls and women from entering the kitchen during menstruation—an age-old practice rooted in notions of purity that continues to affect many households.

In Hariram’s own home, he leads by example. He and his wife, Sanjana, share household chores, including cooking, regardless of whether she is menstruating. "If she wants to cook, she can. If she doesn’t, we as a family do it together," he asserts. This collaborative approach has brought equality into their daily lives. Sanjana, too, appreciates the change. "In my maika (parental home), we were not allowed to enter the kitchen during our periods," she explains. "But here, I feel respected and supported."

Hariram’s advocacy for gender equality doesn’t stop at his doorstep. As a peer educator under the YUVAW initiative, he has become a vocal leader, working to dismantle harmful practices within his community. He conducts regular sessions on positive masculinity, gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Through workshops, community meetings, and innovative educational tools—such as thematic games—he educates other men and boys, encouraging them to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in challenging gender norms.

One of the key issues Hariram addresses is child marriage. Through awareness campaigns and interactive discussions, he empowers young men to reject this harmful tradition and become advocates for change within their own families. His approach is to create an inclusive space where men can openly discuss issues that have traditionally been ignored or dismissed.

Hariram’s efforts are creating a ripple effect in his community. The young boys and men he mentors are becoming more aware of gender issues and are beginning to question long-held practices that restrict women’s autonomy. His work is slowly but steadily building agency and capacity among them, helping to foster a more equitable environment for both women and men.

In just a few years, Hariram has emerged as a true leader—one who not only challenges societal norms but also lives by the values he promotes. His home is a reflection of this transformation, and his work within the community continues to inspire others to rethink outdated traditions. 

Impactful Actions and Lasting Change

Manish and Hariram are not merely spectators of change; they are creating it. Their actions in Sawai Madhopur exemplify: men can and must be equal participants in gender equality. By breaking barriers and championing menstrual health, they are inspiring a new era of masculinity, one led by empathy and inclusion.

Boilerplate 

UNFPA, through its implementing partner CECOEDECON, is working to build capacity and awareness among adolescent girls, young boys, and men. Using a peer educator-based approach, the program focuses on redefining masculinity and engaging participants through community meetings, workshops, and knowledge materials like myth-buster cards, posters, and games. This initiative, piloted in Sawai Madhopur with the YUVAW group, has fostered discussions and brainstorming on aspects of masculinity. The group is actively challenging harmful practices and discriminatory social norms against girls and women in the community. Outcomes of the initiative include increased girls' participation in sports, better connections to government schemes, and the installation of safety cameras. Learnings from this pilot will inform the scaling up of the intervention through government programs.