The journey and inspiration behind Kavach

In 2017, in Mumbai, India, a counselor named Bharati Trivedi met with a school principal. During their conversation, a young girl walked in, asking for permission to go home because she had started her period. The principal offered her a sanitary napkin, but the girl responded, “It is not a question of a sanitary napkin. I do not have an underwear.” This heart-wrenching moment was the catalyst for the birth of “KAVACH – A Movement.”

Bharati, deeply moved by the girl’s plight, realized the urgent need for basic hygiene products among underprivileged girls. With no initial support or funding, she started Kavach with sheer determination and a vision to make a difference. She began by preparing hygiene kits at home, consisting of underwear, soap, a towel, and sanitary napkins, and personally distributed them in slums and streets.

Kavach’s impact grew rapidly, catching the attention of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. This led to a partnership that allowed Kavach to work in over 1100 municipal schools.

Today, Kavach is supported by corporate and government partners, NGO partners, and individual donors, reaching thousands of girls and women across India.

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Meet Bharati Trivedi

Bharati Trivedi is not just the founder of Kavach; she is its heart and soul.

A social worker, counseling psychologist, career counselor, graphalogist and sexuality educator, Bharati has dedicated her life to empowering the underprivileged.

Her journey is one of immense personal sacrifice and unwavering commitment.

Bharati’s passion for social service stems from her own experiences with gender inequality and social prejudice.

She has faced numerous challenges, including being shunned by close family and social circles. Despite this, she has remained steadfast in her mission to ensure that no girl or woman in India is deprived of basic feminine hygiene needs.

Bharati’s vision extends beyond Kavach. She dreams of a world where every girl has access to education, safe menstruation, and dignity in all stages of life. Her ultimate goal is to make “Kavach – A Movement” a global initiative, serving underprivileged girls and women worldwide.

Purpose

To empower adolescents and women through comprehensive support in education, health, hygiene, safety, and skill development.

Vision

A world where every girl and woman has access to education, safe menstruation, maternal care, skill development, and dignity in all aspects of life.

Mission

To provide sustainable solutions across various focus areas, including menstrual health, maternal care, education, safety, and skill development, ensuring holistic empowerment for adolescents and women.

Values

Compassion, honesty, humility, and inclusivity.

Promise

To stand beside women and adolescents at every pivotal moment of their lives, providing the tools and guidance needed to navigate challenges with strength and grace.

Awards
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Awarded for philanthrophy by Mukti Foundation 2020
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COVID Ayodhya Sanman by Tardeo Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal
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GB Entrepreneurs Award for Philanthropist Work - 2019
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Giants Group of Chowpatty for Excellence in the Field of Social Service - 2019
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Rangoli Awards by Unimom 2019
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Jhansi Ki Rani Award, Pune - 2022
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Special award from my Janani (mother) for Kavach
Key milestones
2017

Kavach and Kavach Shiksha was founded by Bharati Trivedi.

2018

Partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai and started Kavach Vrindavan.

2019

Kavach’s story was widely covered by Radio City 91.1 FM and nominated for the International/World Radio Awards at New York.

2020

Expanded initiatives including Kavach Garima during the COVID-19 pandemic to support vulnerable communities.

2021

Recognized with multiple awards for social service.

2021

Started Kavach Janani in Mumbai, Panchgani and Ganeshpuri

2022

Conducted a Skill Development Program under Kavach Pragati with Srujan Shakti, Panchgani for women, teaching them quilt making

2023

Conducted a musical instrument donation drive for adivasis on Radio City 91.1FM in a program called Music Tribe.

2024

Received the Global Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra from iCONGO in partnership with the United Nations.

Nurturing Minds Charitable Trust

Nurturing Minds Charitable Trust is a registered Public Charitable Trust with the requisite certificates under Sections 12AA & 80G of the Income-tax Act.

The Trust has spearheaded many programs for children, teens, pre-teens, transgenders on sexuality awareness, basic hygiene, prevention of sexual abuse, women and adolescent health, education and safety Pan-India.

The Trust’s core objective is to work towards the relief and advancement of any other object of general public utility and services through activities that are not for profit.

The Trust also undertakes CSR initiatives for corporates, companies, institutions, associations, and other legal entities.