Adolescent age brings in lot of questions in every individual who step
into it. The questions related to bodily growth and the internal changes. The
changes which happen within a girl’s body needs more attention, but this is never addressed. To talk about Menstrual cycle is still considered a taboo. There are many who use a napkin or pad even without knowing how to use it.
On account of National Girl Child Day, the Internal Committee (IC) &
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan of SRM IST, organised a program to educate girl children
on ‘menstrual hygiene’ and girls’ safety. Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 3,
4, 5, and 6 aligns on the wellness, education, safety and clean sanitation as
discussed among the school students on the topic Safety of Girls and Menstrual
Hygiene.
Children in the age group of 12 or 13, who are in the adolescent stage
and have attained puberty were the audience.
The event started with prayer song, followed by which Mr. Rajan, the
Headmaster of PUMS, Chettipunniyam delivered the welcome address.
The
first session was on Safety of Girl’s by Dr. S. Ramya. She started by explaining to them about the
names and logos that were on the banner. Students were briefed on how the UN’s
SDGs gives importance to good health, quality education, gender equality and
clean water and sanitation. The role of internal committee and UBA and the
connect all had with National Girl Child Day was narrated.
Dr. Vidhyalakshmi briefed
them in detail by showing them visual representation of the internal female
genital organ and how the blood comes out.
In the end there was a
question session where students raised quite a few doubts like “why should we
change the napkin? Should we take pills for stomach pain? Can we run during
periods? etc. and the same was addressed by both the speakers.
Ms. Anju, UBA Associate
delivered the vote of thanks by telling the students how blessed they were for
having a group of people to educated them on issues which many will not talk in
public.
Ms. Anbarasi, teacher from
PUMS Kolathur, thanked SRM IC and UBA for the initiative taken to address the
girl children at the right age and to talk on their bodily changes.
The event ended with the
National Anthem.
