Support for menstrual health for girls in India

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

A girl named Varsha (name changed) has shared her story of confidence and how she tackled her first period without feeling guilt & shame.

“My first periods began at the age of thirteen, three months ago from today. I don’t have mother who can talk to me everything about my periods, she left me when I was just seven years old but I am still having someone who educates me about period issues; that’s Smiley Days team and girls of Smiley Club.

I was in school when I got my first period. My friend noticed that I was staining. Then she brought me to the washroom and handed over me a sanitary pad. She is a member of Smiley Girls Club so she has to keep her eyes on every girl if someone in trouble during menstruation.

A few months ago before I got my first periods, Smiley Days team conducted a workshop on menstrual hygiene management & puberty in my school. My all friends and girls from senior classes were attended and informed about our periods & biological process to get periods every month. Few of my friends along with me didn’t start even first period at that time. But we were excited to know the changes occur during puberty and how to tackle period days with dignity and comfort?

Now I have also become an active member of the Smiley Girls Club and motivate other young girls about their physical changes. I feel proud of myself and thanks to Smiley Days that prepared me for my first period and I tacked it with confidence”.                              

The project Smiley Days are helping such girls to access them the right information at the right time on menstruation and related issues. Many girls like Varsha attend regular awareness sessions on MHM and reproductive health in their schools as well as their communities on a regular interval.

Thanks to all for your generous support & love for this project that changing the lives of many girls in India!

Regards,

Team IDF