By Kishore Joseph
12th February 2025 Bengaluru India. Imagine a world where menstruation is not a source of shame or stigma, but a natural and celebrated part of life. A world where girls in rural India have access to the knowledge and resources they need to manage their periods with confidence and dignity. This is the vision driving Red Tent, an inspiring initiative by the Summa Sunshine Foundation.
Red Tent isn’t just about providing menstrual products; it’s about building a circular ecosystem that addresses multiple societal needs. Founded by Ms. Summa Ramesh, a certified Yoga Therapist, Yoga Master Trainer, Functional Nutritionist, and specialist in Women’s Yoga Therapy, Red Tent is deeply rooted in a holistic understanding of women’s health. Summa’s passion for empowering women, coupled with her expertise in yoga, nutrition, and wellness, has given birth to a truly transformative movement.
The core of Red Tent’s work lies in its interactive workshops. These safe spaces, led by passionate volunteers from across India and even internationally, like Romana from Czech Republic, provide girls with comprehensive education on menstrual cycles, hygiene, and overall well-being. They break down societal taboos, fostering open conversations and empowering girls to embrace their bodies. But Red Tent goes beyond basic education, connecting menstruation to nature and spiritual well-being, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for this natural process.
What sets Red Tent apart is its commitment to sustainability. They produce reusable cloth pads handcrafted by widows, providing them with dignified employment and a stable income. This not only empowers women economically but also addresses the environmental impact of disposable sanitary products. The staggering statistic that one woman can produce the equivalent of a football field’s worth of waste in disposable pads over her lifetime highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Red Tent’s reusable pads are a powerful solution, reducing waste and contributing to a healthier planet.
“It’s time to speak about the UNSPOKEN – unique workshops created to educate every young woman about their sensitive secrets and gifts,” says Summa Ramesh. She emphasizes the alarming statistic that in the next decade, there may be a significant decline in healthy wombs capable of producing children, underscoring the critical importance of prioritizing women’s health. Red Tent is taking on this challenge, working to ensure future generations of women remain healthy and empowered.
Red Tent’s impact is threefold:
- Positive Menstrual Awareness: Comprehensive education on menstrual cycles, hygiene, and well-being.
- Employment for Widows: Creating meaningful jobs and empowering women with stable income and dignity.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly menstrual solutions.
Their mission is ambitious: to reach 2 million girls and women across India, providing them with menstrual health education, reusable products, and access to safe spaces. They envision a future where women have access to the resources they need to thrive, both physically and emotionally.
Red Tent started its operating primarily in Bengaluru Rural and surrounding areas, later expanded throughout Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and eventually, across India. They partner with schools and community centers to maximize their reach, and are actively seeking CSR funding to support their vital work.
The Summa Sunshine Foundation, a non-profit trust under Section 8A, oversees all CSR activities of Red Tent. Donations are tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, and various forms are available for donors depending on their status (salaried, business, or company). The foundation is also registered under Section 12A, ensuring that donations go directly to supporting Red Tent’s programs.
Red Tent is more than just an initiative; it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the power of education, empowerment, and sustainability. It’s a reminder that by working together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Ret Ten offers positive menstrual awareness workshops for schools, colleges, companies, and retreat centers. These sessions are led by experienced yoga therapists and incorporate Ayurveda, yoga, nutrition, naturopathy, and spirituality.
To learn more about Red Tent’s workshops or to get involved, reach out to them at redtentworkshop@gmail.com or +91-99809 03833, or visit their website at https://www.redtent.in. Join the movement and help weave a brighter future for menstrual health in India.
