Discussions were held on the challenges being faced by women and young girls in managing their menstrual cycles safely
Howrah-based NGO, Nari O Shishu Kalyan Kendra in association with Nirman Foundation and CFAR (Centre For Advocacy and Research) recently organised a seminar to mark ‘Menstrual Hygiene Day’, which is observed on May 28.
‘Menstrual Hygiene Day’ (MH Day) serves as a neutral platform to bring together individuals, organisations, social businesses and the media to create a united and strong voice for women and girls around the world, helping to break the silence around menstrual hygiene management
Inaugurating the seminar, Rahima Khatun, Secretary, Nari O Shishu Kalyan Kendra shared her experiences on the challenges being faced by women and young girls in managing their menstrual cycles safely in our country.
Dr Parveen Banu, Asst Professor, National Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata explained, ‘Menstruation is just a normal biological process in the life of a woman and a key sign of reproductive health, yet in many societies it is still treated as something negative, shameful or dirty. Besides due to lack of proper information and continued silence about the physiological phenomenon at home and in schools, it results in very little knowledge about what is happening or going to happen in their bodies when they menstruate and how it can be dealt with.” She stressed on to spread more awareness about the subject.
Dr Banu pointed out that it is disheartening to note that even in this 21st century women and girls have to face social stigmas and many become isolated from family, friends and their communities during the period of menstruation. They are even debarred to perform any religious rituals and not allowed to participate in social functions.
Nari O Shishu Kalyan Kendra recently received the ‘Express Public Health Award for the most effective healthcare NGO’ instituted by Express Healthcare.