Introduction:
On 28th May 2023, Swabhiman Samiti, in collaboration with Sahyog Lucknow, organized an awareness program in Village Vishunpur to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day. The event aimed to break the silence around menstruation, raise awareness about menstrual hygiene, and address the risks associated with poor menstrual practices due to a lack of knowledge.

Objective:
The key objective of the program was to:

  • Raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and break the societal silence surrounding the topic.
  • Educate women, adolescent girls, and the broader community about the health risks associated with improper menstrual hygiene.
  • Encourage open discussions about menstruation, especially among men, to eliminate myths and misconceptions.

Program Highlights:
The event featured several key speakers and discussions on various aspects of menstrual hygiene:

  • Geeta Prajapati (Anganwadi Worker) and Renu (ASHA Worker) provided detailed information about menstrual hygiene practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness and using proper sanitary products.
  • Shri Satyendra Singh from Piramal Foundation stressed the importance of breaking the silence around menstruation. He discussed the myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation and the need for open conversations to dispel them. He also addressed the issue of anemia among women and adolescent girls, explaining the health risks and measures to prevent it.
  • Shri Faizan emphasized the importance of organizing regular awareness programs like this to continue educating the community and fostering open discussions about menstrual health.

Discussion on the Importance of Menstrual Hygiene:
The program created a space for both men and women to openly discuss menstruation and menstrual hygiene. For the first time in the community, men were encouraged to participate in the conversation, which helped in breaking the stigma surrounding this topic. The awareness session addressed:

  • The health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene, such as infections and other complications.
  • The impact of anemia on women and adolescents, and ways to prevent it.
  • The need for better access to sanitary products and resources to ensure proper menstrual hygiene.

 

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Key Participants:
The program saw active participation from the community, including:

  • Vimlesh Yadav, Ramnevas, Buddhiram, Shivang Mishra, Gudddu, Arita Prajapati, Gyanmati, and over 40 participants who attended and engaged in the discussions.

Program Coordination:
The program was coordinated by Vinod Prajapati, Secretary of Swabhiman Samiti, who facilitated the discussions and ensured smooth execution of the event.

Expected Outcomes:
The expected outcomes of the program include:

  • Increased awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene in the community.
  • A shift in attitude toward open conversations about menstruation, especially among men and boys.
  • Empowerment of women and adolescent girls by providing them with information to improve their menstrual health and hygiene practices.

Conclusion:
The World Menstrual Hygiene Day awareness program in Village Vishunpur was a significant step toward breaking the silence around menstruation and promoting better health practices. The active participation from the community, especially from men, marked a positive shift in societal attitudes toward menstruation.

Acknowledgments:
Swabhiman Samiti thanks Sahyog Lucknow for their collaboration and support in organizing this impactful event. Special thanks are extended to Shri Satyendra Singh from Piramal Foundation, Geeta Prajapati, Renu, Shri Faizan, and all the community members who attended and participated in the discussions. Their collective efforts are paving the way for a more informed and open society regarding menstrual health.