Shattering Taboos: Adolescent Girls Redefined Children’s Day with Menstruation Awareness

In an inspiring initiative to celebrate Children’s Day with a focus on health and hygiene, the Adolescent Girls’ Team of Heramba Gopalpur Gram Panchayat, under Amplifying Community Voices (ACV) project by Mukti, organized a special event titled “অন্যভাবে শিশু দিবস উদযাপন” (Children’s Day Celebrated Differently). The programme, held on 16^th November 2024 at Kuemuri High School, brought together 60 participants from the local community for a thoughtful and impactful session on menstrual hygiene, and dispelling misconceptions surrounding the topic.

The session was facilitated by a group of adolescent girl leaders, who took centre stage to educate and empower their peers. They explained the biological causes of menstruation and emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during the natural process. The session also aimed to break the silence surrounding menstruation, a topic often veiled in stigma and misconceptions in rural areas.

One of the key highlights of the programme was addressing the common myths and superstitions that many individuals in the community hold regarding menstruation. The adolescent girl leaders encouraged open dialogue, helping to foster a safe space where participants could ask questions and gain factual information. The participants developed some slogans on the topic, such as – “এসো শপথ নিই – মাসিক নিয়ে জানবো, কুসংস্কার দূর করবো” (Let’s take oath – Knowledge on menstruation, Eradicates superstition).

Through this initiative, the Adolescent Girls’ Team of Heramba Gopalpur Gram Panchayat not only observed Children’s Day, but also created a platform to promote health education and break taboos that often hinder progress in communities. The session served as an eye-opener for many and reflected the power of young leaders in driving positive change within their communities.

This initiative was a testament to the importance of children’s education in all aspects of life – physical, psychological, and social – and the role of local leadership in shaping the future of tomorrow’s generations.

 

Gallery link: https://muktiweb.org/gallery/album/adolescent-girls-redefined-children-s-day-with-menstruation-awareness