On the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 celebrated on May 28 globally under the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, UNICEF Jharkhand in collaboration with NSS has launched a month- long campaign to raise awareness and promote Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Ranchi on Tuesday.

The campaign is launched under the tagline “Let’s talk openly about menstruation, Don’t tolerate silence.”

The campaign was flagged off with great enthusiasm by engaging 200 young girls and boys in the #RedDotChallenge from Ranchi University along with young volunteers of the National Service Scheme. The campaigners rallied from Ranchi University to Oxygen Park, Morabadi, carrying placards and banners with slogans raising awareness on menstrual hygiene management. With an aim to involve men also in the cause, the campaign will also focus on engaging adolescent boys and men and sensitise them on the topic.

”Ensuring proper Menstrual Hygiene Management is not just about hygiene; it’s also about dignity and empowering women and girls. By engaging adolescent boys and men in our campaign, we aim to break the silence surrounding menstruation and create a supportive environment where everyone can openly discuss and address menstrual health needs,” said Dr. Kaninika Mitra, Chief at UNICEF Jharkhand,

“Various activities on community mobilisation and awareness generation will be conducted, along with promoting health and hygiene in the community. Additionally, the campaign will emphasise the importance of safe disposal of menstrual waste and equipping youths as active advocates of menstrual hygiene with a comprehensive plan of action,” said Dr Brajesh Kumar, state NSS officer cum NSS program coordinator, Ranchi University, Ranchi.

Mitra further stated that, “Through our campaign, we seek to empower communities with knowledge and resources to ensure that menstruation is not a barrier to the education and well-being of women and girls. By addressing menstrual hygiene comprehensively, we are taking a significant step towards achieving gender equality and promoting dignity for all.”

Kumar Premchand, WASH Specialist and Laxmi Saxena, WASH Officer, Astha Alang, communication specialist and NGO partners were also present for the event.