Jamshedpur: ‘Break the Silence, Stay Healthy’ campaign to shatter menstrual stigma

Jamshedpur, June 7: Under the ‘Break the Silence, Stay Healthy’ campaign, the Director of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Saurabh Sinha, flagged off an awareness mobile van by waving the green flag from the premises of the DC office. The Executive Engineer of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Abhay Topo, and all the district coordinators were present at the occasion.

As part of this campaign, which will run from June 5 to June 12, 2023, programmes will be organized at different locations every day to raise awareness about menstruation and its management. The objective is to educate people about menstruation under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The Executive Engineer explained that the awareness mobile van has been launched to raise awareness among the general public about menstrual hygiene management. The van will travel to all the villages in every block of the district and educate women and girls about precautions to be taken during menstruation and other related aspects. He appealed to all adolescent girls and women to actively participate in the program to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene and ensure behavioural changes.

During the event, several speakers highlighted the significance of breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and creating an environment where women can openly discuss their reproductive health. They stressed the importance of eradicating stigma, myths, and misconceptions associated with menstruation, which often lead to inadequate menstrual hygiene practices.

Under the “Break the Silence, Stay Healthy” campaign, a series of workshops, seminars, and awareness drives will be conducted in schools, colleges, and communities across the region. These activities aim to educate women, particularly adolescents, about menstrual health management, including the proper use of sanitary products, hygiene practices, and the importance of regular check-ups.

Furthermore, the campaign will emphasize the role of men, families, and society in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women during their menstrual cycles. By promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes, the campaign seeks to foster an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.

NGOs have collaborated with local healthcare providers and volunteers to distribute sanitary products to women in need. The aim is to ensure that every woman has access to safe and hygienic menstrual products, eliminating the barriers that often restrict women’s participation in daily activities and education.

The “Break the Silence, Stay Healthy” campaign has already garnered significant support from the community, with individuals and businesses coming forward to contribute funds and resources. This collective effort highlights the growing awareness and commitment to address menstrual health issues and support women’s rights.