Menstruation and the menstrual cycle are still subject to various social, cultural, and religious restrictions in Bangladesh, posing significant barriers to menstrual hygiene management.
Many girls and women in rural areas face difficulties and obstacles at home, in educational institutions, and at work due to a lack of preparedness and awareness about menstruation.
The lack of understanding about menstruation and ignorance about personal hygiene often lead to reproductive tract infections among rural girls and women.
Studies have shown that approximately 80% of women in Bangladesh cannot afford sanitary napkins due to a lack of awareness and their high cost, resulting in various health risks during menstruation.
To address these issues, a three-day training program was conducted in Cox's Bazar, focusing on skill development for rural women in the usage, production, and marketing of sanitary napkins.
The training, titled "Shurokkhay Shadhinota," was organized by the Cox's Bazar chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI) and took place from Sunday to Tuesday.
It was implemented by the Cox's Bazar Women and Children Development Organization and facilitated by Womens Windows, a feminist organization.
At the conclusion of the training, certificates were awarded to all participants.
JCI Cox's Bazar chapter president Sheikh Ashikuzzaman, Secretary General Manowar Zishan, director Farah Tasnim Risha, General Legal Counsel Amzad Mahmud and Training Commissioner Faisal Siddiquee attended the concluding ceremony.
Cox's Bazar Women and Children Development Organisation president Monwara Parvin and Womens Windows president N R Mushfika Laizu also attended.
During the certificate giving ceremony, the president of JCI Cox's Bazar chapter Sheikh Ashikuzzaman highlighted the organization's commitment to societal development.
He emphasized that the project aims to empower rural women entrepreneurs by providing them with training in sanitary napkin production, which will not only improve women's health and hygiene but also create sustainable livelihood opportunities within their communities.
“We expect that the training will increase awareness among the participants and their communities, as well as contribute to their empowerment through the production and marketing of sanitary napkins,” he added.
