Gender bias in India shadows the girl child from birth through puberty and well beyond. Unequal access to nutrition, restricted educational opportunities, and social barriers at critical stages of growth not only diminish the potential of individual girls but also hinder the nation’s collective progress. Bridging this gap is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity for India’s future.
In recent years, education reforms and policy interventions have begun to address these disparities. Yet, much remains to be done. Persistent inequities, especially during adolescence—continue to undermine the health, dignity, and opportunities of millions of girls. It is in this context that social entrepreneur Mohita Gupta is pioneering the initiative ‘Her First Bloom’. Recognizing that puberty, and specifically the onset of menarche, marks the most critical transition in a girl’s life, Her First Bloom sets a new priority: making puberty care a cornerstone of empowerment.
The initiative is built on three core pillars:
- Education – equipping girls, mothers, and caregivers with accurate knowledge about puberty and menstrual health.
- Awareness – challenging cultural taboos, instilling dignity, and normalizing conversations around menstruation.
- Nutrition & Hygiene – ensuring adolescent girls have access to iron-rich diets, essential micronutrients, and safe, sustainable hygiene practices.
By establishing communities dedicated to puberty care education and support, Her First Bloom seeks to transform a traditionally neglected phase into a platform for lifelong strength and confidence.
“Puberty is not just a biological milestone; it is the foundation of womanhood. By prioritizing care at this stage, we can raise a generation of healthier, stronger, and more empowered women, ready to lead families and the nation forward,” says Mohita.
Through Her First Bloom, Mohita Gupta reaffirms her commitment to dismantling gender bias at its roots—ensuring that every girl child blossoms with dignity, health, and opportunity.
Leadership and Guidance
The campaign is guided by the blessings of Hon. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, esteemed public health leader and former Union Minister, celebrated for his work on the Pulse Polio mission and tobacco control. His continued dedication to India’s health missions, including POSHAN Abhiyaan 2.0, lends credibility and long-term impact to “Her First Bloom.”
About Mohita Gupta
Mohita Gupta is a passionate social entrepreneur and a dedicated advocate for gender equality. She champions the cause of reducing gender bias and encourages families and caregivers to give the girl child equal priority in education, nutrition, and opportunities—ensuring that the challenges faced by girls from birth through womanhood are meaningfully addressed. Her pioneering initiative, “Her First Bloom,” is designed to empower adolescent girls to step into adolescence and womanhood with dignity, energy, and pride. By focusing on education, nutrition, and awareness, Mohita envisions a future where every girl blossoms into her fullest potential, free from the limitations of traditional bias.
