Soumya Dabriwal
2025-2026 Columbia University Scholar
India
Co-founder, Project Baala
Advancing menstrual equity by equipping communities with sustainable health solutions that foster education, dignity, and justice
Soumya Dabriwal is the co-founder of Project Baala, a social enterprise focused on innovating and delivering sustainable menstrual and reproductive health solutions for communities across the globe. Project Baala addresses menstrual health challenges through a comprehensive approach, focusing on education and awareness, direct access to sustainable period products, and empowering local women to sell these products to generate income and spread awareness as change agents in their communities. Under Soumya’s leadership, Project Baala has expanded its reach across 27 states in India and pockets of Nepal and Africa, directly impacting 1.1 million women and families through community outreach, grassroots capacity building, and government partnerships. Soumya plans to leverage the Scholars program to develop a Menstrual Vulnerability Scale, which will quantify vulnerabilities and enable targeted interventions for marginalized communities and advance her mission of fostering health and sustainability.
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More About the Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.
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