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മലയാളം
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The Government of Kerala envisages a set of targeted interventions to spearhead the adoption of safe and hygienic menstrual practices among girl children. Beginning at the onset of puberty, health education is imparted to empower young girls to take charge of their own bodies and well-being. Such early interventions are expected not only to improve hygienic practices but also to influence the social outlook of girls by helping dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Aiming at the holistic development and well-being of the girl child, The Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation Limited (KSWDC), a public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Government of Kerala, has initiated Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Programme. The objective of the programme is to create awareness about menstrual health and ensure easy access to quality menstrual hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, napkin destroyers, vending machines, and menstrual cups, free of cost. The initiative is implemented through the following key components:
Distribution of high-quality sanitary pads, installation of napkin destroyers and vending machines in Government and Aided schools across the State, free of cost. This initiative, implemented with the support of the Local Self-Government Department, was inaugurated on 8th November 2017 at Janardhanapuram HSS, Ottasekharamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram by the then Minister for Health, Social Justice and Women & Child Development, Smt. K. K. Shailaja. To date, over 10 lakh girl students have benefitted from this pioneering project.
Free supply of safe and sustainable menstrual cups in various sizes (S/M/L), benefitting women aged 18 years and above across the State, with implementation support from Local Self-Government Institutions.
Menstrual Hygiene Awareness classes are organized in Govt./Aided Schools, to promote better reproductive health and menstrual hygiene practices among young girls. These classes are enriched with sessions on diet, nutrition, immunity, anti-drug awareness, self-confidence and life skills, aiming at the comprehensive development of adolescent girls.
Menstrual hygiene is a key contributor to public health and disease prevention. Through the successful implementation of the SHE PAD Project, Kerala has directly transformed the lives of lakhs of girl students, making it one of the first States in India to embark on such a large-scale initiative. These timely interventions at school level are expected to create a ripple effect, shaping healthier and more empowered future generations.
