Ranchi Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Management Day with Awareness Drive

Ranchi: An awareness programme was organised at the Block-B Auditorium of the Collectorate in Ranchi on Friday on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Management Day. The event was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and held under the theme “Chuppi Todo, Swasth Raho” (Break the Silence, Stay Healthy). The programme aimed to eliminate social stigmas associated with menstruation and promote hygiene, health awareness, and confidence among adolescent girls.

The event was attended by Deputy Development Commissioner Sanjay Bhagat, District Social Welfare Officer Surbhi Singh, students and teachers from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Residential Schools (KGBVs), women supervisors, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), and several other officials.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri emphasised that menstruation is a natural biological process and that dispelling the myths and misconceptions surrounding it is a collective responsibility of society. He offered special encouragement to adolescent girls experiencing their first menstrual cycle and distributed hygiene and nutrition kits among them.

In a significant step toward improving menstrual health infrastructure in schools, 16 sanitary napkin vending machines were provided to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Residential Schools across the district. Sanitary napkin disposal machines were also distributed to ensure students have access to clean and safe menstrual waste management.

During the programme, the Deputy Commissioner administered a menstrual hygiene pledge to the students present. A slogan-writing competition on menstrual hygiene management was also held as part of the awareness initiative, and students who excelled were awarded first, second, and third prizes.