HYDERABAD: 1 out of 5 ladies in India drop out of college as a result of lack of interval schooling and merchandise. Mothers are a lady’s first trainer, however studies say 7 out of 10 moms don’t totally perceive the science of intervals and discover it ‘dirty or impure’. To tackle menstrual schooling and hygiene administration, P&G Whisper and UNESCO India joined forces with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, to lift consciousness, notably amongst ladies, together with younger ladies attending faculty. An occasion was organized by the Gender Equality and Integrated Holistic Health Working Groups of C20 India on the B.M. Birla Science Museum in Hyderabad. Introducing 5 teaching-learning modules developed by UNESCO India with Whisper, these modules tackle the assorted challenges related to menstrual well being and hygiene administration, akin to incapacity, gender, educators, younger adults, and diet.
Titled “Spotlight Red,” the teaching-learning modules supply complete sources and techniques for learners, educators, menstruators, and group leaders. Their goal is to reinforce understanding and abilities associated to menstruation administration whereas fostering consciousness about its societal impression. The modules purpose to empower adolescents from numerous backgrounds, together with ladies with disabilities, by offering them with entry to interval and puberty schooling. Moreover, they search to create a supportive setting by way of interventions on the faculty, state, and nationwide ranges, enabling these adolescents to proceed their schooling.

P&G Whisper and UNESCO India additionally launched a National Survey and Gap Analysis report on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management beneath the #HoldGirlsinSchool marketing campaign. The report revealed that in poor city areas, 50% of adolescent ladies (aged 15 to 19) lack entry to hygienic strategies for managing their intervals. More than 220 folks attended the occasion, together with lady college students, lecturers from varied colleges in Hyderabad, together with civil society organizations.

Distinguished visitors attending the launch included Chief Guest Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, DGP Office, Hyderabad; Guest of Honour, Mrs. D Hari Chandana, IAS, from the Chief Secretary Office, Secretariat, Hyderabad; Dr. Huma Masood, Senior Gender Specialist at UNESCO India; Ms. Shilpi Gupta, Product Supply Leader, Procter and Gamble India; and Dr. Pragnatha Komaravolu, Pediatric Consultant at Amrita Hospital, Kochi.

Dr. Huma Masood, Gender Specialist at UNESCO New Delhi Multisectoral Regional Office, said, “Spotlight Red – A UNESCO and P&G Whisper initiative, #KeepGirlsinSchool, is a comprehensive approach to address the urgent need for menstrual health and hygiene management in schools. With 23 million girls dropping out annually due to lack of proper facilities and information, we combine education and advocacy to empower every learner and menstruator.”

Guest of Honour, Mrs. D Hari Chandana, IAS, Chief Secretary Office, Secretariat, Hyderabad, addressed the viewers, stating, “We must educate not just girls, but also boys, fathers, and every individual, breaking cultural taboos and promoting awareness. Together, as change-makers, we have the power to transform society. Let us spread this message, inspire others, and create a brighter future.”

Ms. Shilpi Gupta, Product Supply Leader at Procter and Gamble India, expressed, “Today, 1 in 5 girls drop out of school due to a lack of menstruation education and products. Shockingly, 70% of girls are unaware of periods when they first experience them. Girls we encounter in cities and towns express their confusion, mistaking menstruation for an illness and lacking guidance. We can agree mothers are a girl’s closest friends, teachers, and confidant as per report, seven out of 10 mothers lack knowledge about menstruation as well. I take immense pride in collaborating with UNESCO to unveil inclusive and exhaustive teaching modules. These cover not only period information but also nutrition, diverse genders, and guidance for teachers and parents. Changing even one girl’s life can have a significant impact. My hope is for our daughters to attend school and experience their first period without confusion or embarrassment. They should be able to live, play, and study with confidence and comfort.”

During the occasion, UNESCO showcased a complete survey and hole evaluation report, accompanied by a collection of brief movies that successfully portrayed totally different dimensions of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management. These movies make clear the various experiences and views associated to this important subject material, spanning throughout seven states in India. To additional break down boundaries and eradicate stigma surrounding intervals, an empowering “Pride of Period Anthem” was additionally offered, fostering a extra promising and inclusive future for all people who menstruate.