Firstly, it's heartening to see that the stigma around periods is gradually reducing, as highlighted by Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi's recent speech at NBT Nagar Government High School for Girls. The Mayor emphasized the importance of shunning old ways of managing periods and embracing more modern and hygienic methods such as using sanitary pads. She also spoke about the need for personal hygiene during periods and the fact that every girl goes through this natural biological process, which includes some degree of pain.
As a step towards providing better menstrual hygiene facilities for girls, the Mayor inaugurated a Sanitary Pads Vending Machine and an Incinerator, with the help of Ms Ritu Shah, Chairperson of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO). Under its 'Sustain her health' initiative, FLO donated both the machines and the pads, and will continue to provide them free of cost to benefit the girls.
Ms Ritu Shah, while addressing the girls, stressed the importance of education and the fact that no girl should miss school due to periods or related issues. She also encouraged the girls to use the free sanitary pads and vending machines, and urged them to seek help if they faced any challenges.
Later, Dr Sweta Agarwal spoke about menstrual hygiene and physical wellness, while Ms Kanika Jain spoke about mental wellness. Dr Agarwal highlighted the three key rules of periods - importance of hygiene, use of sanitary pads, and hygienic disposal of used pads. Ms Jain spoke about menstrual-related stress and how girls can cope with it using home remedies and outdoor sports.
Finally, Anita, the Headmistress of the school, also participated in the function and expressed her gratitude towards the Mayor and FLO for their support in providing better menstrual hygiene facilities for the girls. Overall, this initiative and the speeches given by various speakers will hopefully contribute towards breaking down the taboo around periods and encourage more open conversations about menstrual health.