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Menstruation is a natural part of the reproductive cycle. However, in most parts of the world, it remains a taboo and is rarely talked about. Cultural practices and taboos around menstruation negatively impact the lives of women and girls, and reinforce gender inequities and exclusion. Moreover, studies have proved a direct link between poor menstrual hygiene and urinary or reproductive tract infections and other illnesses.
A three-day workshop on the issue of menstrual hygiene and safe menstrual practice was held by Swabhiman programme for its community health educators and health volunteers during March 16-21. Around 123 health educators and volunteers in the age group of 12- 42 years, from Swabhiman centres ‘Adhaar’ (Shashi Garden), ‘Sahyogita Samaj Vikas Sansthan’ (Chhattarpur), and ‘Health & Care Society’ (Indira Camp) actively participated in the activity, conducted by Dr. Uzma Bano.
Discussions veered on orienting the health educators and volunteers on good menstrual hygienic practices such as use of sanitary napkins; washing and cleaning; how to dispose sanitary napkins, followed by precautions to be taken during the period and dietary habits, so, as to enable them to lead a healthy reproductive life in future.
Attending the workshop, Durga, a participant at the Indira Camp, stated, “The workshop has sensitised me on various complications arising out of lack of menstrual hygiene, namely RTI and infertility. I will be more conscious about maintaining hygiene in future and will further spread the message among other women in my neighbourhood.”
