New Delhi: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, The Neuroaid & Research Foundation organised an awareness driven event on the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene in collaboration with Katha. The event was conducted at the Katha Lab School, Govindpuri.
When it comes to practising good menstrual hygiene, it is imperative that this begins from a young age to avoid detrimental health issues during later stages of life. Studies have shown that unhealthy menstrual practices are linked to cervical cancer. As per World Health Organization statistics, India accounts for 27 per cent of the world’s cervical cancer deaths. This rate is almost twice the global average.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Rajalakshmi Chandru, Trustee and Chief Functionary of Neuroaid said, “Due to lack of proper facilities in rural schools, at least 1 in 5 girls drop out of school once they begin menstruating. Hence, building conversations and awareness around menstrual hygiene becomes a necessity. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we aim to make young girls aware of the same, and support those with limited resources by distributing sanitary pads, so they could motivate their friends and families in turn.”
Adding further, Arpita Verma, Assistant Director – Katha said, “In 1990, we had started Katha SRI (Slum Resurgence Initiative) by saying, ‘when women earn, children get to learn’. Katha promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment through participation of thousands of women in their own development and through the education of boys and girls, the idea of an equitable society is ingrained in them. We help females empower themselves, work towards breaking social, cultural and gender stereotypes. We welcome Neuroaid’s initiative to take our mission forward and shed light on the relevance of menstrual health and hygiene.”