Sensitization session on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) to Hostel staff.
“Dialogue around menstruation is still buried under all different notions, religious and cultural taboos that connect a normal bodily function like menstruation to evil spirits, shame, impurity and embarrassment”. All these notions and stigmas around an issue that need to be talked about keeps girls and women away from right knowledge, awareness and understanding which in turn adversely affects their health and make them suffer in silence said .said Smita Sharma, Warden, Girls hostel no.1. “Not only there is lack of information and honest conversations around menstruation, the disposal of menstrual waste is also a challenge” said Harjit Kaur, Warden, Girls hostel no. 2.
To understand the grass root perspective in this direction, a workshop on ‘Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management for the hostel cleaners was jointly organized by Mata Gujri Hall Girls Hostel 1and LuxmiBai Hall, Girls Hostel 2 in collaboration with Centre of Social Work, Panjab University.
The workshop was conducted by Ishita Choudhary, alumna of Centre for Social Work, a certified trainer in menstrual hygiene management. She stressed that menstrual and reproductive health issues are interconnected and it is extremely important to provide information on various menstrual products available in the market and their sustainable disposal. “Ice breaking and patiently building a rapport with the cleaners was a must for the success of the session, so that they could share their experience and give honest inputs.” she added. The cleaners were also made aware about the working of the sanitary pad incinerators installed in the hostels.
The event was received very well by the cleaners. One of the cleaners aged 45 stated that despite of being married and being mother of teenage daughters, this session was an eye opener for her.
The event was hosted by Dr Smita Sharma and Dr. Harjit Kaur, Wardens, Girls Hostel 1 and 2 respectively with Centre for Social Work is planning to organise such workshops in all girls hostels in a sequential manner.
