Women in Nagaland raising awareness on menstrual health via social media (#reddotchallenge in Instagram)
Dimapur, May 28 (MExN): Menstrual Initiative Nagaland (MIN) under the Community Health Initiative celebrated the International Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) in Nagaland on May 28 by spreading awareness on taboos related to menstruation via social media (#reddotchallenge in Instagram).
MIN lead by the Director, Loreni Sophia, donated 3500 biodegradable sanitary pads to marginalized women and girls in Nagaland under the “Periods don’t stop for pandemics” project.
MIN met with the local administration and donated around 130 biodegradable sanitary packets to V. Lovitoly Sema, Additional Deputy Commissioner to be distributed to COVID-19 quarantine centers in Dimapur.
Menstruation is a normal biological process, which is the key to maintaining the reproductive wellbeing of a woman. Taboos and myths in society have resulted in a high level of secrecy about the basic menstruation facts, leading to shame and exclusion for girls and women. Inaccessible washing and limited information and materials are barriers for women and girls with disabilities managing their menstruation hygienically and with dignity.
MIN Director, Loreni Sophia emphasized that to attain menstrual health, “we require community involvement; government, private sector, civil society, and NGOs should come forward to promote menstrual health and provide the solution.”
A press release received here stated that according to the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016, it is estimated that of the 336 million menstruating women in India, about 121 million (roughly 36 percent) women are using sanitary napkins, locally or commercially produced.
