Menstrual Hygiene Management for Adolescent Girls in Municipal Schools

A huge number of girls studying in MCGM schools in suburban Mumbai still believe that menstruation is a topic of shame. It is observed that girls choose to remain absent from school during periods which effects their attendance as well as academics. Lack of proper knowledge and stigmas related to menstruation bound these girls to succumb to preconceived notions and myths. Adolescent girls, as well as teachers and parents, are ignorant towards maintaining good hygiene during menstruation. Lack of facilities at schools such as unavailability of water, soaps and clean toilets also contribute towards absenteeism during menstruation.

Our NGO CACR imparts behaviour change communication training to adolescent girls on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in schools as per guidelines designed by UNICEF Maharashtra under Swachh Bharat Mission. This training program is conducted through weekly sessions for batches of 25/30 girls at a time and spread over a period of 4 months. We conduct baseline and end line survey and analysis before and after the completion of program and topics covered are what is menstruation, use of safe absorbents, myths and taboos on the subject, proper disposal of absorbents, etc

We provide menstrual hygiene kits to each participating girl comprising of menstrupedia comic book, shell booklet, a pair of panties, 4 packets of sanitary pads, soap, etc. A session with gynecologist is also part of the training program and we invite the mothers as well. This also ensures that the beneficiaries get the right information on the subject from certified medical practitioners.

Apart from quantitative impact which can be measured by number of participating girls, we also focus on qualitative impact which comprises of;

1. Improved awareness and knowledge on the subject,
2. Improved attendance in schools during periods,
3. Busting of myths and taboos,
4. Importance of changing absorbents two to three times in a day
5. Follow safe disposal practices

Overall, the beneficiaries will be able to manage their periods adequately and face challenges related to menstruation more confidently and positively. They will be aware of the scientific facts and logical understanding of the subject.