Dehradun: Humans for Humanity conducted a menstrual hygiene workshop at ITBP Dehradun for the wives of the ITBP personnel, where they distributed menstrual cups and hygiene products in collaboration with L’OCCITANE, a renowned brand from France.
Led by Dr. Mansi Kukreti from Arogyadham Hospital, the workshop aimed to educate women about menstrual health practices, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, proper usage and cleanliness of menstrual cups, and safe disposal of sanitary products.
Anurag Chauhan, the founder of Humans for Humanity, has been relentlessly working in the field of social work from the age of 14 and has been awarded several times by many international and national forums, including the United Nations, Unicef, Govt. of India, etc.
During the occasion, he expressed his mission to eradicate poor menstrual hygiene practices in India, ensuring no woman succumbs to a lack of awareness or access to sanitary products. He emphasized that the WASH Project isn’t merely a pilot initiative but a nationwide movement fueled by hundreds of volunteers.
The WASH Project, initiated in 2014, seeks to empower women through knowledge, addressing the prevalent lack of awareness surrounding menstruation in the country. Despite India’s claims of development and progress, myths and taboos persist, such as the belief that menstruating women should be barred from entering the kitchen.
The WASH Project targets rural areas across six states, including Uttarakhand, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. Additionally, the initiative has extended its efforts to include trans men, recognizing the diverse needs within the community.
At the heart of the initiative are women-centric workshops led by experienced medical professionals, providing insights into the biological aspects of menstruation, hormonal changes, and stages from adolescence to menopause. Counseling services are offered to women navigating menopause, while nutritionists educate on the significance of a healthy diet.
Recognizing the affordability and quality concerns surrounding sanitary napkins, the organization equips women with the skills to create their own high-quality alternatives at home. Moreover, awareness campaigns stress the adverse effects of poor menstrual hygiene and promote proper disposal practices.
The workshop held at ITBP Dehradun witnessed the presence of esteemed figures such as author and activist Venu Dhingra, state coordinator Lubna Khanam, researchers from renowned institutions like Princeton University and Frances Walker, and international participants like Sylwia Renata from Australia. Additionally, Mentor, HWWA, Northern FTR, ITBP Mandira Gunjiyal, and Chairperson, HWWA, SHQ(DDN) Meenakshi Manu Maharaj graced the occasion with her presence.
