By Ritu Rabi Das from Manikganj
A community-based awareness initiative launched in 2021 has significantly improved menstrual health awareness and hygiene practices among rural women and adolescent girls in Manikganj, breaking long-standing taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
Before the initiative, many girls relied on old, unhygienic cloths during menstruation due to a lack of information, social stigma, and limited access to sanitary products. Open discussions about menstrual health were rare, often leading to health complications and infections.
To address these challenges, monthly awareness sessions have been organized in local communities, led by a trained community health worker. The sessions provide practical information on puberty, menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and the proper use and disposal of sanitary pads. Free sanitary pads are also distributed, helping participants adopt healthier hygiene practices.
The initiative has brought about remarkable changes in community attitudes. Women are now more comfortable discussing menstrual health with their daughters and families, while awareness of cervical health screening, including VIA testing, has also increased. Many households now purchase sanitary pads openly, reflecting a decline in stigma and embarrassment.
Beyond improving menstrual hygiene, the programme has reduced the risk of infections and empowered adolescent girls to view menstruation as a natural biological process rather than a source of fear or shame.
The initiative demonstrates how access to accurate information, compassionate support, and basic hygiene resources can transform the health, confidence, and well-being of rural women and adolescent girls, creating lasting positive change in their communities.
