At Sardine Mother, we volunteered with The Red Cycle to design the campaign’s visual language. Our role focused on creating an illustration-led poster that communicates the politics of menstruation while remaining inclusive and accessible. The brief called for visuals that could represent diverse bodies, cultures, classes, and genders, while opening up conversations that are often silenced or avoided.

The illustrations draw from real moments of protest, care, and resistance. Inspired by a photograph taken during a rally for the Sabarimala entry permit, the visuals reflect women taking action against gender injustice, alongside quieter yet powerful symbols drawn from lived realities. The crow, used as a recurring metaphor, represents the taboos and surveillance surrounding menstruation, while elements like stained cloths and non-menstruating allies highlight both stigma and solidarity.

Through this project, we used visual storytelling as a tool for awareness and education, helping The Red Cycle initiate dialogue around menstruation in school environments with honesty, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. The Aarthava Committee stands as an example of how design can support grassroots movements and contribute meaningfully to social change.