Dhenkanal: Geetanjali Marandi, a Class X student of Kapilas Girls’ High School here, made Odisha proud at the ‘Niine Movement’s Menstrual Awareness Conclave’ held at ITC Maurya in the national capital Delhi Monday.
The Niine Movement is a five-year plan aimed at raising awareness about menstrual hygiene as well as tackling taboos related to menstruation. The conclave was organised to mark the International Menstrual Hygiene Day. The Class X student joined the deputy director of UNFPA Asia Pacific regional office Dr. Jennifer Butler in a panel discussion focusing on absenteeism of girl child in schools due to menstruation.
She shared the dais with dignitaries like noted film actor and social activist Shabana Azmi, former secretary general of UN Woman Laxmi Puri and head of Royal Commonwealth Society Shivani Wazir Pasrich. Geentanjali also had the opportunity to interact with superstar Akshay Kumar, who was the chief guest at the conclave.
Geetanjali was nominated for the conclave by the ST & SC development department of the Odisha government. She studies at the residential school run by ST & SC development department and has set an example to girls like her by breaking the myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation and continuing her education despite social taboos.
Speaking at the conclave, she said Life Skills Education classes in her school helped her understand that menstruation was a normal process in the growth of girls. She also explained how unhealthy practices affected self-esteem and dignity of girls. Once she learned about the use of sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene management, she felt confident attending classes even during her periods.
“I also discussed about menstrual hygiene with other girls and even women from my community and made them realise the myths associated with it,” she said.
Provision of sanitary pads in schools by the government, together with the life skills education, changed the way girls managed their menstruation, she added.