Mass Awareness on Menstruation

An awareness programme was organised for the girls of Class-IX in Anjuman High School at Park Circus, Kolkata. At the beginning, the students were asked to share their ideas about how the menstrual cycle takes place and its effect on the female body. From the discussion that followed, it was evident that the girls had little knowledge about the process of menstruation. They also felt shy and awkward to discuss about the topic. Using a chart, our team explained the process of menstruation to the girls. The need to maintain hygienic and cleanliness during the menstrual period; such as use of sanitary pads, changing pads at regular intervals, keeping body parts clean, washing clothes and proper method for disposal of pads, were also explained to the girls. There are several myths and social taboos associated with the menstruation. Practices like not to touch the Holy book, not to touch pickles, not to fast are some of the common practices during menstruation. Most of the girls were found to practice these things, though they did not understand the reason for such practices. The tradition had been going on for generations. Baring a few exceptions, almost all the girls never shared their menstruation related problems with male members of their families. At the end of the session, a feedback was taken from the girls. The feedback revealed that the students learned several new things about menstruation cycle and were happy to know them. They also felt that they will be able to realise the changes in their bodies in a better way as they grow up. Finally, the girls requested more such awareness sessions in more details.