MurariJyoti Welfare Foundation: Pioneering Women's Health in Bihar

INTRODUCTION

In a small community in Bihar, Tejaswini's conversations with local women sparked a transformative journey that would shape an entire organization. Initially focusing on menstrual health, the women shared their broader health concerns, leading to the establishment of the MurariJyoti Welfare Foundation (MJWF). Today, MJWF serves nearly 3,500 people, working with around 1,500 women and distributing over 500 menstrual cups.

ORIGINS AND MISSION

Tejaswini's journey began in her childhood, growing up in boarding schools in Bihar and Darjeeling. Her upbringing emphasized understanding the mind and body, focusing on meditation, sports, and academics. At 12-13 years old, an incident involving a domestic violence victim profoundly impacted her. This experience ignited her commitment to empowering women, leading her to pursue a Master's in Psychology from the University of Essex.

KEY INITIATIVES

In 2023, Tejaswini returned to Bihar and met Sajni, a domestic worker. Their conversation about menstrual hygiene led to the introduction of menstrual cups, a revelation for Sajni. This small but significant interaction underscored the importance of spreading awareness. Tejaswini then collaborated with Asha workers to understand community needs better, initiating a pilot research study that laid the foundation for MJWF.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

By March 2026, Tejaswini fully committed to MJWF, which received the Grassroots Award from Goonj in July 2026. Today, MJWF collaborates with the University of Essex, UK-based health innovation company 10zyme, Bhagalpur Medical College, and Bihpur Primary Health Center. These partnerships have expanded MJWF's reach and impact.

KEY INITIATIVES

MJWF's initiatives have evolved from menstrual hygiene to broader health concerns. Asha workers highlighted the need to educate both girls and boys about menstruation and women's health. This led to Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) health camps, providing free screenings and educating people about free services available at government hospitals.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

The biggest challenge in rural areas was gaining community trust. Initially, people were skeptical of an outsider addressing sensitive topics like women's health. MJWF's team patiently engaged with the community, revisiting frequently until trust was established. Now, communities proactively identify their health needs.

FUTURE GOALS

MJWF now focuses on women's education, employment, and entrepreneurship alongside health. Tejaswini emphasizes understanding community needs before implementing solutions. She believes in listening to people, conducting research, and then creating tailored solutions. This approach distinguishes MJWF from other social organizations. Tejaswini envisions success not when MJWF reaches the most people, but when the community can identify and address its needs independently.

FAQs

**Q: What is the primary focus of MJWF? **A: MJWF primarily focuses on women's health, starting with menstrual hygiene and expanding to broader health, education, and employment issues.

**Q: How did MJWF start? **A: MJWF began with conversations between Tejaswini and local women about menstrual hygiene, leading to the organization's formation.

**Q: What partnerships does MJWF have? **A: MJWF collaborates with the University of Essex, 10zyme, Bhagalpur Medical College, and Bihpur Primary Health Center.

CONCLUSION

Tejaswini's vision for MJWF is rooted in empowering communities to identify and address their health needs independently. The ultimate success for MJWF would be when the community no longer needs their intervention, signifying true empowerment and self-reliance.

CALL-TO-ACTION

Join us in supporting MJWF's mission to transform women's health in Bihar. Visit blogy.in to learn more and get involved.