Support for menstrual health for girls in India

Dear Friends,

Today we came to share with you the second part of Meenu’s story that how her life changed after visiting IDF’s resource centre and how she gained confidence.

In the previous report, we shared the first part of her story where we described how did she manage her first periods/ menarche with the help of her mother. Meenu’s friend introduced her to IDF’s centre and Meenu’s mother visited the centre along with her.

Her mother said, “Meenu was afraid a lot and refused to come here. She thought that I would visit her at some clinic to take vaccines or medicines. Then I told her, dear there will be a didi there not any doctor who will give you medicines. Didi is very nice and very polite; she will talk to you regarding your studies, games and health as well”.

This is how Meenu’s mother motivated her to visit IDF’s centre for counselling. When Meenu entered the centre, there were tears in her eyes that indicated she cried a lot. Our counsellor/ team made her comfortable and offered her a glass of water.

The counsellor Ms Nisha started her counselling and told her with a smile, “Dear Meenu we are not going to inject you, even you can consider me as your friend and we both will talk about periods. Is this ok!”

Then, Meenu sit quietly and listened to the didi. The counsellor discussed her first-period experience and provided her with knowledge of bodily changes during puberty. Meenu looked much excited to gain new knowledge.

Meenu shared her excitement with the team. She said, “Now, I understand how important period is for every girl and girls need to face it with a smiley face and proud. Didi described everything in a very interactive way, she demonstrated to me the proper way to use sanitary pads. I loved the way she taught me through Smiley Days Booklet which was very colourful and attractive. I really thank didi to teach me and thank my mother also who brought me to the centre. Now I proudly say that YES! I am Menstruating. Didi gave me a hygiene kit also”.

This is Meenu’s story that connected with IDF last month with the help of her mother and a friend, and her life has changed by gaining proper knowledge about Menstruation and its importance for every female.

Thank you so much for your valuable support and encouragement in changing many adolescent girls' lives in India through the Smiley Days program.

Regards,

Team IDF

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Indian Dreams Foundation!

It is our pleasure to share with you how your funds are changing lives in India and How the girls & women are gaining confidence to talk about the most neglected issue “PERIODS”.

As partners, we believe it is important to let you know your resources are well managed and truly serving the underserved girls & young women in India.

We are sharing with you the latest case of a girl who has recently faced her first period. Our Smiley Days team has been doing regular counselling with the girl as well as her mother.  

Meenu (name changed) is eleven years old and a school-going girl. She has started her first periods last week. For the entire duration of her periods, she refused to go to school and even didn’t go outside to play with her friends. She has shared her first-period experience with the Smiley Days Team during counselling sessions.

She said, “I went to attend the wedding of my relatives. I was so happy and excited. I was dancing with my friends during the wedding ceremony. Suddenly, one of my friends came to me and whispered in my ear. She said my dress has spoiled; there is a red blood spot on my bottom. I was surprised and I rushed to the toilet. Moment I was so scared when I saw my panty have blood spots and wanted to cry but kept myself calm that time. I thought I caught some dirty disease. I called my mother and told her everything. Without saying anything, my mother handed over me sanitary pads and engaged in the ceremony”.

Meenu added, “I saw the sanitary pad first time in my life, so I didn’t know how to use it. Then my mother helped me that time and she set sanitary pads on my panty. The next day, my mother and I returned to my home. Still, I was nervous. One of my neighbour friends who have already a part of the Smiley Days program and attended a couple of workshops on menstrual hygiene management brought me to the IDF’s resource centre. I was happy to get knowledge on my periods from an elder sister at the centre”.

That’s the first part of Meenu’s story that how did she manage her first periods with the help of her mother and her friend introduced her to our resource centre for counselling. We will be delighted to share with you the second part of Meenu’s story soon in our next report.

Thank you so much for your valuable support and encouragement in changing many adolescent girls' lives in India through the Smiley Days program.

Regards,

Team IDF