In Gadchiroli, a region marked by deep cultural traditions and remoteness, Kurma Ghar—period huts—have long been a symbol of silence, isolation, and suffering for women. Each month, women were forced to spend days in these huts, cut off from their families and communities during their menstrual cycles. The darkness inside these structures reflected not just the absence of light, but the lack of dignity and safety for women in the region.

These huts, often poorly ventilated and unsanitary, posed serious health risks, increasing vulnerability to infections and diseases. The practice of isolating women during menstruation stemmed from a deeply rooted belief in impurity and was exacerbated by a lack of access to proper hygiene and sanitation facilities. With no alternative, women in Gadchiroli were left with little choice but to endure these harsh conditions.

Today, driven by the determined efforts of Mr. Akil Ahamad Sheikh and his team, the narrative is transforming. Through health camps, hygiene kits, and community outreach, they are lighting up every Kurma Ghar, transforming them from places of suffering into symbols of health, empowerment, and hope. This initiative isn’t just about providing sanitary supplies; it’s about shifting mindsets, breaking taboos, and ensuring that women no longer have to face these harsh traditions in isolation.

With education, support, and community-driven action, the Kurma Ghars are evolving into places of learning, solidarity, and progress—proving that even the most entrenched traditions can be challenged with compassion and care.

This is not just a fight for hygiene; it’s a fight for the dignity and equality of women in Gadchiroli.