Menstruation is a natural process unique to girls. However, it has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that include women from many aspects of social life. Very few cultures have accepted menstruation as a natural phenomenon, just as natural as any other function

that a human’s body perform.

Women are considered “impure” or “unclean” during these 5-6 days and are even treated as untouchables in some parts of India. This results in the use of cloth pads which are usually used in unhygienic ways as these women don’t feel free to even dry these cloths in the sun because they don’t want anyone to see it. Women in rural communities fear disposing the stained cloth as they are of the view that it might fall into the hands of someone who can use “black magic” against them. Also, girls and women who are aware of the sanitary napkins available in the markets are too shy to buy it and end up using harmful alternatives like mud, grass and dirty cloths.

Therefore, education and counselling is a major requirement where all girls and women should be given detailed information regarding menstruation, clearing all the doubts and misconceptions that the society has forced upon them.

For this, Aastha Nishtha foundation came forward to conduct an engaging session on menstrual health and hygiene awareness awareness for the adolescent girls at our educational centre in Munirka. The menstruation process was explained and the girls were made aware of the logical reasons behind it. Tips were discussed for keeping oneself clean, safe and healthy during their period. Nutrition is often neglected during these days as the whole focus falls on staying stain free, hence, a discussion was done on various nutritious products that are affordable and readily available to the community to ensure good health. Natural remedies like yoga possess for relieving menstrual pain and cramps were taught by one of the girl from the community to encourage others to do the same. This session acted as a safe space for these young girls to speak freely about the issues that they face during their menstrual cycle and discuss various solutions to overcome those problems.

It was concluded by distribution of refreshments and sanitary kits that included a pack of sanitary napkins, two clean towels, Dettol and Dettol soap so that they can be better prepared for their next period.