'Breaking the Silence' campaign reaches Tamenglong
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13 2018:
Breaking the Silence', a campaign to end myths, taboos and stigma around menstruation and build a supportive home, school, workplace and community reached Tamenglong district yesterday from Noney which was the first stop.
The team met Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong Armstrong Pamei and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chambo Gonmei to- discuss the directives, provision and scope of what can be done at district level be it enhancing availability and accessibility of sanitary pads, production of sanitary pads, installing disposal mechanisms and so on.
Today the 'Tamenglong District Mass Awareness Programme' on menstrual hygiene management was conducted at Taudai Fellowship Center, a branch fellowship of Dailong Baptist Church, Tamenglong District Headquarters for women and girls of the congregation.
Reverend, PR Athana, Pastor welcomed the initiative to raise awareness on such a taboo topic and extended full support to the programme.
A technical session on 'Menstrual Hygienic Management' (MHM) was facilitated by Urmila Chanam, Founder/CEO, 'Breaking the Silence' where the key messages were menstrual blood is not impure, menstruation is not a disease, it's a normal phenomenon, girls and women need support to manage their menstruation hygienically and education on menstruation and best hygiene pratices is needed in schools.
More than 100 people including girls and women of Tamenglong town attended the awareness programme wherein an interaction with the participants was held.
The host fellowship lauded the campaign team for their valuable services.
Silvia Rimai (Asistant) of Ukhrul district and Agui Kamei (Coordinator of Tamenglong and Noney districts) led the interaction.
The team spoke about the need for a citizen movement on development and health not just relying on the Government for everything.
Sanitary pads and pamphlets carrying the ABC of menstrual hygiene were distributed free of cost to the participants.
The team will conduct a field work tomorrow to assess water, sanitation and hygiene indicators with an aim to understand the menstrual hygiene needs of girls and women in the district.