'Period Friendly World': MSCW, Lions Club hold awareness drives to end menstrual stigma
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2026: International Menstrual Hygiene Day was observed at two separate venues in Imphal today under the global theme, "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld".

The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) marked the day with an awareness programme at ST Girls' Hostel, Adimjati Shiksha Ashram, Imphal.

MSCW Chairperson Th Tiningpham Monsang, Member SK Sophia, and Member Secretary cum Additional Director, DIPR, W Phajatombi Devi attended as presidium members.

Speaking at the event, Tiningpham Monsang said that besides handling women-related cases, the Commission regularly conducts awareness programmes and seminars to educate women across the State.

She noted that the ST Girls' Hostel houses tribal students from various districts, including many from hill areas displaced by the current situation.

"Organising this programme here is vital so the girls can take the awareness message back to their communities", she said.

Underscoring the link between menstrual hygiene and health, she said improper management can cause serious health problems.

"Menstruation must never be treated as a matter of shame or stigma.

The day is observed worldwide to dismantle taboos and systemic barriers", she added, explaining that May 28 marks the average 28-day cycle and five-day period.

Tiningpham Monsang further assured that MSCW will continue such outreach programmes for the welfare and empowerment of women and girls in Manipur.

W Phajatombi, in her welcome address, urged students to discuss menstrual health openly and seek medical help when needed.

In the technical session, Dr Kabita Athokpam, Senior Resident, RIMS, spoke on "Menstrual Health and Hygiene", stressing reproductive health and preventive care.

Sports Nutritionist AS Wungzip Zimik addressed "Health and Wellness", focusing on nutrition, lifestyle, and mental wellbeing.

Separately, the Lions Club of Imphal Golden Pride, in collaboration with the Gynae Oncology Unit of JNIMS OBGYN Department and RM School, Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi, conducted an awareness programme at the school.

Principal Khwairakpam Hillari, Lions Club Golden Pride general secretary Ranjita Leimapokpam, and JNIMS Gynae Oncologist Dr Helen Kamei attended as resource persons.

Dr Helen Kamei, speaking as subject expert, explained the biological process of menstruation and addressed myths, hygiene practices, and signs that require medical attention.

Ranjita Leimapokpam said menstruation is a natural process and not a stigma, urging girls to openly discuss problems to prevent reproductive infections.

The Lions Club of Imphal Golden Pride distributed sanitary pads to girl students of the school.

Both events emphasized open discussion, access to safe products, and dismantling taboos to build a period-friendly environment.

Comment