FLO Bhubaneswar hosted the Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Programme at BuginHa Siksha Kendra, Chandaka Village, to promote menstrual health awareness, encourage hygienic practices, and empower women and adolescent girls through education and community engagement. The initiative brought together health professionals, educators, social leaders, and community members to foster awareness and informed decision-making regarding menstrual health and well-being.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome and interaction with the local community. In recognition of their valuable contributions towards health education and social development, Mrs. Biyot Projna Tripathy, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter, felicitated Dr. Mamata Pradhan and Sabita Patnaik with Mementos. Special recognition was also accorded to Minati, a dedicated community mobiliser associated with Bugin Ha, for her outstanding contribution towards education, community participation, and the development of tribal children.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Biyot Projna Tripathy highlighted the significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day and emphasized the importance of creating greater awareness about menstrual health. She encouraged women and adolescent girls to break the silence surrounding menstruation, adopt safe hygiene practices, and prioritize their BuginHa Siksha Kendra well-being. She also underscored the role of nutrition, education, and community support in enhancing the confidence, dignity, and empowerment of women.
The programme featured informative sessions by distinguished resource persons. Dr. Mamata Pradhan, Counsellor and Health & Hygiene Educator, shared valuable insights on menstrual hygiene management, nutrition, preventive healthcare, and personal well-being. Sabita Patnaik, Socio-Edupreneur and Changemaker, highlighted the role of education, storytelling, and community engagement in driving social awareness and positive change. To ensure better understanding among the young girls, the resource persons conducted practical demonstrations and explained key aspects of menstrual hygiene in Odia, enabling participants to engage confidently and relate to the information effectively. Minati shared her experiences of working closely with tribal families and emphasized the importance of grassroots participation in community development.
As part of the outreach initiative, sanitary pads, notebooks, pencils, and pens were distributed among adolescent girls, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to both health awareness and educational support. Snacks and refreshments were also distributed among the children during the programme.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from rural women and adolescent girls. FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter members actively participated in the programme, interacting with the girls and encouraging open discussions on menstrual health and hygiene. The programme served as an effective platform for awareness, dialogue, and community engagement, leaving a positive impact on the participants and reinforcing the importance of menstrual health education at the grassroots level. The initiative reflected FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter’s commitment to advancing health, education, and women’s empowerment while contributing to a more informed, inclusive, and progressive society.