Understanding Menstrual Health
In Makhdampur Dhapdhara, Madhepura district, most families sustain themselves through daily wage labour. During a menstrual wellbeing awareness session under our flagship initiative Not Just A Piece Of Cloth (NJPC), women and adolescent girls openly discussed menstrual health, breaking a silence that often surrounds the subject.
Nuetan Devi shared her experience: “When I had my first period, I was scared. I didn’t know what had happened until my mother explained it. Since then, we have been using only home clothes. In summer, it’s difficult as cotton cloth isn’t always available.” The session highlighted safe practices, washing cloth in hot water, drying in sunlight, storing properly, and ensuring responsible disposal by burying used cloth.
Turning Dialogue into Action
The discussion extended beyond menstrual wellbeing to nutrition and livelihoods. When asked about cultivating green leafy vegetables, Meena Devi and others readily agreed. Soon, women of the community came together to start collective farming, creating not just better access to food but also savings that could be used for household needs.
Women Engaged in Collective Farming
Women Kits as a Gesture of Dignity
As recognition of their participation and effort, the women were rewarded with Women Kits that included MY Pad. Meena Devi reflected, “Now we will take special care during menstruation and also keep our surroundings clean.” The kit served not just as material assistance but as a reinforcement of dignity and awareness.
Building Health and Financial Resilience
Through open dialogue, practical menstrual wellbeing solutions, and collective farming, the women of Makhdampur Dhapdhara demonstrated resilience and leadership. Their efforts improved household health, ensured savings, and reinforced that when women come together, they create meaningful, lasting change.
Women After Completing Collective Farming and Health Session
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
