SRINAGAR: An awareness programme on menstrual hygiene was organized by Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) for self help groups (SHGs) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The day-long programme was organized across various blocks of the Mission to sensitise the SHG women about vital social and health issues, especially those related to personal health and hygiene.
The major objective of awareness program was to increase awareness among SHG members on menstrual hygiene and to ensure safe disposal of sanitary napkins.
Speaking on the occasion, Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib said that every year 28th May is observed as Menstrual Hygiene Day. The day is marked to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene and raise awareness about the social issues faced by women during menstruation and ease of access to sanitary products.
Adding further she said that most of the rural women often lack knowledge regarding menstruation which can be due to socio-cultural barriers. It is important to educate women about issues related to menstruation.
She highlighted that the purpose of the awareness programme was to aware rural women about hygiene- practices during menstruation which can prevent health issues.
During the day-long programme, the SHG women were also taught about proper disposal of sanitary pads, Health & hygiene.
It is to mention that the members of various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of UMEED scheme have made eco-friendly, hygienic and reusable sanitary pads for rural women of the UT .These sanitary pads being made on pilot basis in Bhalwal block of Jammu district.
This initiative encourages rural women to turn menstrual hygiene into a livelihood opportunity by taking up sanitary napkin manufacturing as a livelihood project at their own level. The decentralized model will enable women to access pads locally within the comfortable environment of other women.
