Designed specifically to bridge the knowledge gap of menstruation and adolescent hygiene practices, an innovative programme ‘Suno lo Sakhi” is underway in the city. The unique radio show and community mobilisation project has covered around 60 slums in last 15 months.
Practical Action, a UK based NGO, has partnered with local CCWD and started this unique campaign targeting the young girls and women. They have adopted 60 slums in the city in different phases where discussions have made the young girls much vocal and now they are talking about menstruation, the hygiene and better ways to deal with it.
In the International Women’s Day celebration by Practical Action, young girls from Science Park slum exhibited a small play on the importance on menstrual hygiene education which was well appreciated by the guests. Rangoli and debate competitions were organised and the winners got felicitated by the guests followed by an open quiz on menstrual hygiene.
The girls vowed about challenges they face during their menstrual cycle and said it is not at all a matter of shame to talk about menstruation in public or before male members or family. They stressed on such education for boys as well.
Among other guests, India programme coordinator for Practical Action Dr Birupakshya Dixit, adolescent health and hygiene expert Dr Chayanika Mishra, Practical Action Gender Committee member Sasmita Patra and Gopal from science park slum vowed on the inclusion of such education in the school curriculum.