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