JKRLM holds workshop for women SHGs on sensitivities of Menstrual Health

An expert briefing women regarding Menstrual Hygiene Management during a workshop at Jammu.
An expert briefing women regarding Menstrual Hygiene Management during a workshop at Jammu.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 8: To promote awareness among Self Help Groups (SHGs) regarding Menstural Hygiene Management, a day-long workshop under theme “Menstural Hygiene Management -Mardun ki Zubani” was organized by Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM).
The day-long programme was organized across all the blocks of the Mission to sensitize the SHG women about vital social and health issues, especially those related to personal health and hygiene.

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During the workshop, the SHGs were told about the science behind menstruation and the myths surrounding it. SHGs were also taught basic hygiene that should be maintained during periods. It helped in sensitizing them on various complications arising out of lack of menstrual hygiene.
Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib in her key note address said that Menstruation is a natural part of the reproductive cycle. However, in most parts of the country, it remains a taboo and is rarely talked about, which leads to gender issues and all anti social activities.
The focus of the program was to create awareness among women on personal hygiene particularly on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and the participants were asked to act as ambassadors for sensitizing other women to maintain MHM safe and hygienic sanitation, the MD said.
Archana Gosh, National Programme Manager, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) who was the resource person of the event, spoke on the important issue of menstrual hygiene, its sustainability when it comes to over all period management.
Guest speaker Dr Meenali Rajput, Medical Officer, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) emphasized on cleanliness and hygiene.
The session focused on various menstrual health related topics like periods and its causes, period myths and taboos, Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) and other infections, good hygiene practices that one must follow and cultural taboos associated with menstruation. A short film related to menstural haygeines was also showcased on the occasion.
More than 30 Training of Trainers (ToTs) and Food Nutrition Health & Wash (FNHW) Community Resource Persons (CRPs) from Jammu division attended the workshop while as the event saw virtual participation of over 5,000 SHGs from various blocks of J&K.
The session ended with Question-Answer round.