A workshop on “Menstrual Management and Personal Hygiene” was organized at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Gul mandi, under the joint aegis of the Bal va Mahila Chetna Samiti, Bhilwara, and Direct Action for Women Now. The workshop’s objective was to raise awareness among adolescent girls about the physical, mental, and social aspects of menstruation, and to dispel misconceptions and develop a scientific perspective.

Organization President Tara Ahluwalia explained that the workshop was conducted by subject matter expert Shashi Prabha from Udaipur. She first conducted an activity titled “Understand Your Body,” which dispelled their hesitation and encouraged them to communicate openly. She then provided detailed information on the entire menstrual cycle, essential hygiene measures, a balanced diet, exercise, and mental health. She also explained to the students that menstruation is not a taboo but a natural biological cycle of women’s lives, and it need not be linked to social stereotypes and myths.

She also informed the students about the safe use of sanitary napkins and reusable pads, their proper disposal, and how to prevent infection. The workshop included a question-and-answer session, where students freely expressed their concerns, and the expert provided insightful answers.

In her address, Tara Ahluwalia stated that such programs build self-confidence in adolescent girls and connect them with life skills. She also explained that the committee periodically organizes programs related to health and women’s empowerment in schools and communities, as mothers often don’t openly discuss such issues with their children, leading to social misconceptions. To address these issues, it’s crucial to discuss these issues openly with the girls.

School Principal Sunita Jinagar praised the workshop, saying that providing such useful information to the girls is crucial for their lives. He praised the efforts of the committee and expressed hope that such events would continue to be organized in the future. The students described the workshop as extremely beneficial and said that they gained new and correct information from it, which would enable them to take better care of their health in the future.