BREAK THE TABOO

23/01/2022 

Menstrual Hygiene and Sanitary Pad distribution drive by Bhumi Organization (an NGO).

I volunteered in this noble cause alongwith others. This was my first experience to do something like this. To go on the real ground of challenges.

We went to a Slum area near Kanti Factory Road around 9 am. My father dropped me there. Volunteers were not only girls but many sensible boys also who assembled everything so efficiently. And also everyone were wearing mask and gloves. With all the needful precautions, we started this drive in 4 to 5 groups.

Destination 1 : Slum area near Kanti factory road

• most of the ladies here were welcoming towards us.

• most were using clothes during menstruation(some were using pads) , some were having pads but they were not knowing how to apply it and were not maintaining the proper personal hygiene.

• Girls of 10-12 years of age who have not got periods yet but soon they might be menstruating , they were not even knowing what actually it is.

•few were hesitant to talk about it , but most were not.

• One woman was facing heavy bleeding issues (she keeps on menstruating for 10-15 days).

• few were having cramps during menstruation and rashes also.

• and everyone wrap the used up pads in plastics and throw it in a big sewage , they call it Nala. 

What we did was , we told them if they use cloth then use it aseptically , we distributed sanitary napkins to them so that they can use it and gave them demo about how to apply it , and after how many hours they should change. We told them they can also buy pads at cheaper price in a shop located in the building of Patna One Mall.  Told them to wrap pads in newspapers not in polythenes and throw it in the garbage box of their slum not in sewage. Also told desi nuskhas to relieve period cramps. And the one woman who was facing heavy bleeding , one of our team member gave his number and assured that he will talk to doctor so that she can meet the doctor and get her problem solved. We explained young girls what period is actually. 

But the good thing was most were not having any cramps during periods because they are really labourious people.

In this slum , people were sensible , understanding , their house were also clean , good people. 

One cute thing what I saw was one little girl hugged her puppy , it was like the puppy was her baby. I also saw adorable goats there. This is not relevant but these are cute things so I shared.

Destination 2: Slum area near Housing Board Colony, Kankarbagh.

•here also we distributed the sanitary napkins and undergarments.

• here ladies were shy to talk about periods.

• we explained them how to break this taboo. 

• here we met one girl , her name was Anjali. She was 10th passed and good in science and maths and knew how to operate computer. She wanted to study further but her parents were not supportive at all. So , we tried to convince her mother because ANJALI seemed really bright, confident and Charming GIRL. Ofcourse, her parents decision won't change overnight but they asked our mobile number for further assistance if to know where to send her to study.

•when we were returning from here then many children were saying to teach them. That's really good to see that they want to study. So yes, our team told them they will do this further. And also many volunteers who have come here before have now developed a great bonding with these children. It's delightful to witness that.

Destination 3: Slum area nearby Malahi Pakri

• this was really unhygienic slum. No cleanliness at all.

• We explained them the importance of clean surroundings.

• We distributed sanitary napkins and undergarments. (Everything was provided by Bhumi Organization).

• One Uncle also taken pad for his daughter and Wife. "Humara India badal raha hai."

• after this we came Home around 1:30 pm

I am not saying we did something really great but definitely it would help many needy ones. And the best thing is, the taboo or the shyness will decrease because when we were giving the stuffs then there were also males around. So, they were also understanding that it's just a normal physiological process and not a hussshh husshhh topic. 

Overall , my experience was awesome with these lovely people. I became more grateful towards life. We saw positive things there and also the problems what we faced, we tried to solve it. Because that's what is needed.

Signing off

Astha :)