Break the Silence’ on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)

To ‘Break the Silence’ on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), Basthi Vikas Manch (BVM) celebrated International Menstrual Hygiene Management Day with great enthusiasm. More than 230 women, adolescent girls and men from various slums in the city graced the occasion. The half day event started with a short introduction about Basthi Vikas Manch by Advocate S Yadigiri, an influential Social Activist from Addagutta Area. It followed by a song and dance sequence performed by members of HARDI Cultural Media. The song was based on local folk tunes and it highlighted the issue of (MHM).

The local Municipality Corporator, Ms Vijaya Kumari was also present at the occasion. Ms Kumari welcomed all the guests. After that, the stage was declared open for an interaction between the invited guests and the people from the community. Social Activist, Ms B Girija Devi, spoke on various social taboos attached to Menstruation and the need for debunking the myths and superstitions so as to achieve a healthy society devoid of prejudices against menstruating women. Ms Devi has worked extensively with the community on Menstrual Hygiene Management.

Menstrual Hygiene Management entails both social and health aspects, and health is an often neglected subject. Reputed Gynecologist, Dr B Poornand spoke about the importance of Menstrual Health and on how ignoring Menstrual Hygiene can prove detrimental to a woman’s health. Dr Poornand also answered questions posed by adolescent girls on MHM. The programme was concluded by HARDI Cultural Media by a beautiful Pallesuddulu Folk Performance. It addressed Menstrual Hygiene Issues through a dance drama. Cultural mediums such as Pallesuddulu and Kalajatha can play important role in propagating social messages. Overall the programme was very well received.