VALPOI: In several parts of Goa, the topic of menstruation brings with it the allied cases of stigma, and shame. It is precisely this taboo that the campaign ‘Healthy India’ launched by Phoenix Women’s Wing Self Help Group (PWWSHG), Valpoi, tackles through its Menstrual Hygiene awareness campaign launched in various schools of Goa.
Speaking to media, PWWSHG President Shuneza Khan said, “Schools shy away from teaching students about menstruation; social circles close their doors to the topic, and families maintain silence. This has resulted not only in the creation of myths and misconceptions, but also gives rise to unsafe and unhygienic practices. So, we have decided to take up this awareness campaign in schools educating girl student from class VI to XII class.”
She informed that May 28 was observed as ‘World Menstrual Hygiene Day’ and their SHG decided to launch a series of workshops for school girls to educate them on this issue.
Resource person and founder member of PWWSHG, Aruna Rane said that she has delivered lectures in 12 educational institutions in Goa and had addressed more than 800 girl students on menstrual hygiene.
“Many girls were unaware of what was happening when they got their first period. We have taken up this campaign very seriously and by the end of this month will reach to 3,000 girls,” informed Rane who briefed the girl students and used audio-visual elements to drive in the point about maintaining hygiene. She also demonstrated ways of safe practices and what precaution girls have to take during the pre and post-menstrual period.
“It was overwhelming to see the students, especially young girls, asking menstruation-related queries with so much confidence. At the end of the workshop, many girls said that they are now aware of what precaution they have to take during menstrual cycle.
“I feel such workshop is helpful for girls” Flora Valaderes, Headmistress Rosary High school, Navelim Margao, said.
As many as 20 government and aided schools have approached the PWWSHG this year to organise workshops to sensitise students about menstruation and by July end more than 20 schools will be completed.
On the success of awareness campaign, Jamila Shaik, an architect by profession and vice-president of PWWSHG said, “Our core team is working on the field and we have been pushing up the hygienic practice among our girls. Our main aim is to remove the misconception and practice hygienic ways during menstrual period so that girls must feel healthy environment in school.”
She informed that they are in process of procuring and donating sanitary napkin incinerator in school.
“I feel it’s important to make both the genders aware of the science behind menstruation. While for girls, good menstrual hygiene can help prevent any kind of pelvic inflammatory diseases and infections, such talk sessions are equally important for boys to remove all the taboos and preconceived notions about periods. They should understand that it’s a part of a girls’ life and absolutely normal,” said Aruna Rane who till date has completed 20 sessions in schools.
