Training 130 women youth health leaders in Gujarat

For the months of January and February, AWAG undertook health and sanitation awareness workshops in the following villages in Radhanpur District (number of attendees displayed):

Chalwada - 35

Bandhwad - 41

Agichala - 37

Pedachpura - 35

Nani Pipli - 52

Vadnagar and Vadnagar school - 42

Sultanpura - 75

Shahpur - 35

Vijaynagar - 36

Premnagar - 25

Bismillahganj - 22

In total in these two months, 435 adolescent girls attended the workshops in the above mentioned villages.

Key objectives of the workshop

• Women's health, women's reproductive systems, monthly menstruation cycles
• Importance of hygiene
• Use and disposal of sanitary towels

In the workshops, the team members of AWAG gave a brief orientation about the organisation followed by session on awareness of domestic violence and primary activities that AWAG is involved in. Thereafter, the main focus of the workshops was on awareness of menstrual health and hygiene. The team explained the side effects of not maintaining appropriate hygiene during menstruation, emphasising the importance of using appropriate underwear and sanitary towels. AWAG staff highlighted ‘myths’ surrounding menstruation, educating women about the topic and against the blind faith that many local women have become accustomed to.

Comments from the workshops:

• Many girls said that during their periods they experience severe pain in the uterus because of which they cannot concentrate on studies.
• Girls in Vadnagar School commented that many times their periods begin during school time and their uniforms and clothes get spoiled. They feel embarrassed and ashamed and attending school after this becomes impossible.
• The teachers in the school said to AWAG's team members that every Wednesday the school provides free-of-cost iron tablets to girls but they do not consume them. The teachers wanted the team members to explain the girls about the importance of the tablets.
• Girls said that they were not aware of how not maintaining hygiene during menstruation can lead to deadly cancerous conditions such as skin cancer, breast cancer, cancer of urinary track and cervical cancer.
• The girls mentioned that they were excited to use sanitary napkins and switch to better hygiene options.

AWAG's conclusions:

• The schools in villages do not provide enough support and information on menstruation and menstrual health. The girls were therefore very happy to learn new concepts.
• Most women and girls in the village had already heard about AWAG and its work, hence they showed keen interest in the awareness meeting.
• AWAG’s team concluded that convincing village women to use sanitary napkins and panties and help support them in learning about hygiene is a slow and continued process. There is a clear need for this in the villages.

Links:

• http://www.awagindia.org