Nagaland celebrates International Menstrual Hygiene Day

Dimapur, May 28 (EMN): The Menstrual Initiative Nagaland (MIN) under the Community Health Initiative celebrated the International Menstrual Hygiene Day in Nagaland on Thursday by spreading awareness on taboos related to menstruation via hastag #reddotchallenge on Instagram.

MIN led by its Director Loreni Sophia donated 3500 biodegradable sanitary pads to marginalised women and girls in Nagaland under the project called “Periods don’t stop for pandemics,” informed an update received here.

The MIN members also met the Dimapur district administration and donated about 130 biodegradable sanitary packets to Additional Deputy Commissioner V Lovitoly Sema to be distributed to Covid-19 quarantine centres.

“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,” said the director.

“Inaccessible washing and limited information and materials are barriers for women and girls with disabilities managing their menstruation hygienically and with dignity,” she added.

She also informed that according to the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016, it is estimated that out of the 336 million menstruating women in India, about 121 million (roughly 36%) women are using sanitary napkins, locally or commercially produced,.

To attain menstrual health, Sophia said that “we require community involvement.”

She further advocated that the government, private sector, civil society, and NGOs should come forward to promote menstrual health and provide the solution.

In a separate event, the FPA India Nagaland Branchin in partnership with SELCO, conducted an online poetry competition, to mark the Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The activity was initiated with the hash tag “don’twhisper” to create a platform for young people to express their thoughts and experiences in poetic language, informed an update received here on Thursday.

The winners of the competition are:

Thenusau Seyie, a 23-year old graduate student emerged as the winner followed by Ajungla Ozukum, 22-year old and Asoienla, 21-year old, both pursuing bachelor’s degree, as the 2nd and 3rd runner-up respectively.

The competition was judged by Moanungla Kevichusa, secretary FPA India, Nagaland Branch and retired HOD of English department, Kohima College.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global advocacy platform that brings together the voices and actions of non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual hygiene management for all women and girls. The day aims to raises awareness and change negative social norms around menstruation and to create a world in which everyone is empowered to manage menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame.