JCI Dhaka Sparks began Phase III of their social awareness project- "কুসুমকথা: Breaking Out of Period Poverty” with the theme of সঠিক তথ্য জানি, কুসংস্কার ভাঙ্গি at Joy Shokok Shishur at Uttara in collaboration with Senora Confidence targeting over 60 girls and educating them on menstrual hygiene and appropriate sanitation.
The intervention also discussed with the authorities and management at the orphanage to roll out sustainable hygiene solutions moving away from unsanitary practices.
This project is sponsored by Senora Confidence (Square toiletries Ltd.)
Local President Sumaya Mahmud Sharna presided over the first intervention and coordinated by Moumita , CoC of the Project, and Sigma Haider, project director also facilitated the arrangements.
Secretary General Mostafijur Rahman Shuvo, Co-COC of the project, Saiful Akash, Zakia, Nusrat Jahan Jeny and Nafiur Rahman also contributed in this project.
Guest Speakers Dr. Salma Binte Bashir, resident specialized medical officer (Gynae & obstetrics) Medical College For Women and Hospital and Shahmina Isha Mannan, gender specialist , Feed the Future, 2024 National Director, JCI Bangladesh actively engaged with the orphanage students on this sensitive issue, educating them on proper nutrition, hygiene and safe management including disposal during menstruation.
Dr Salma also provided expert advice about health concerns and prescribed medication to five girls, based on their health issues.
In our society, many adolescent girls face taboos, harassment, and social exclusion during menstruation.
Despite several initiatives “Low-quality sanitary materials, the social culture related to menstruation hygiene management, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (wash) facilities, lack of guidance and privacy for changing and washing at school or home are common issues related to inadequate menstrual hygiene practices.”
Engagement and linkage with the business industries involved in the production of hygiene products are also absent.
Recognizing the social taboo and the limitations prevalent today despite consistent efforts in the past two decades, JCI Dhaka Sparks through its project Kushum Kotha for the next few years will address the challenges of period poverty through strategic interventions and appropriate collaborations to include underdeveloped rural communities, orphanages, madrasas, and ethnic minorities in areas of influence.
