Microcredit Marvels: Empowering Women

Awareness Session on Menopause and Menstruation
Conducted by Students of JIPMER
Held on 4th December 2025 at Sishubhavan, Kottakuppam, Villupuram District

On 4th December 2025, an important awareness session on Menopause and Menstruation was conducted at Sishubhavan, Kottakuppam, Villupuram District by the students of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). This initiative, organized in collaboration with Prime Educational and Social Trust, aimed to educate and empower adolescent girls and community women with essential knowledge about female reproductive health—an area often surrounded by silence, stigma, and misinformation.

The programme began with an introduction by the JIPMER student team, who emphasized the importance of creating awareness among women and young girls, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. They highlighted how proper understanding of menstruation and menopause can significantly improve physical well-being, emotional health, and self-confidence.

The first segment of the session focused on Menstruation. Using clear explanations and visual aids, the students described what menstruation is, how the menstrual cycle works, and why it is a completely natural and healthy process. They also covered key topics such as hormonal changes, ovulation, and the importance of tracking one’s menstrual cycle. Many girls shared their doubts and concerns, ranging from discomfort during periods to social restrictions imposed on them. The facilitators addressed each question patiently, replacing confusion with clarity and fear with confidence.

A special emphasis was placed on menstrual hygiene management. The JIPMER students explained the correct use of sanitary pads, frequency of changing them, cleanliness practices, and safe methods of disposal. They also spoke about the health risks associated with poor hygiene and encouraged girls to openly seek help whenever needed. Common myths—such as not eating certain foods, avoiding physical activities, or isolating oneself during periods—were discussed and scientifically debunked.

The second part of the programme dealt with Menopause, a stage rarely discussed openly even among adults. The students explained that menopause is a natural biological transition marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years. They described common symptoms such as irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and emotional changes. Practical guidance was offered on managing this phase through balanced nutrition, hydration, regular exercise, and timely medical consultations.

The participants—especially the older women—expressed relief and appreciation, as many had quietly endured symptoms without understanding their cause. The JIPMER team’s compassionate approach made the session interactive and deeply meaningful. Women shared their personal experiences, creating a sense of community and mutual support.

To reinforce learning, the students distributed informative handouts summarizing the key points. The staff of Sishubhavan thanked the JIPMER students for their commitment and clarity, acknowledging the value of bringing medical knowledge directly into the community.

The awareness session concluded with a note of gratitude to the JIPMER team, Prime Educational and Social Trust, and all participants. The event not only educated but also empowered women and girls to embrace their natural biological processes with dignity, understanding, and confidence. Such initiatives play a vital role in building healthier, more informed communities, and Prime Trust remains committed to expanding these impactful programmes in the future.

BRACELET-MAKING DAY – A Quiet Afternoon of Colour, Creativity, and Confidence

Threads, beads, soft colours, and gentle smiles filled the afternoon as our girls discovered the simple but meaningful joy of creating something with their own hands. What began as a small activity soon grew into a space of imagination, collaboration, and personal expression. For many of the children, this was not just about making a bracelet—it was about learning that beauty can emerge from patience, focus, and the courage to try something new.

Under the kind and attentive guidance of Fatima ma’am, the girls learned how delicate details come together to form a finished piece. She showed them how choosing a shade can reflect a feeling, how securing a knot requires care, and how aligning each tiny bead makes the whole piece come alive. Every step became a moment of learning. The children realised that what may seem small—the choice of a colour, the tightening of a loop, the placement of a bead—has the power to transform plain threads into something they can proudly call their own artwork.

As the activity progressed, the crafting table transformed into a lively yet focused corner of creativity. Soft chatter mixed with concentration as each girl selected colours that spoke to her personality. Some preferred bright combinations that expressed boldness and energy. Others chose gentle pastels that reflected calm and grace. Every bracelet grew at its own pace, following the rhythm of the child who made it. Some children worked quickly, excited to see the final result. Others took their time, carefully experimenting with patterns and adjusting their designs until they felt just right.

Fatima ma’am offered more than just instruction; she shared her patience, encouragement, and warm presence. She gently reminded the girls that it is completely alright to make mistakes—that trying again is part of the creative journey. Her reassurance helped the children feel safe to explore, to undo and redo their work without hesitation, and to appreciate the little victories along the way. In her company, the activity became a learning experience not just in craft, but in confidence.

Moments of joy appeared in many subtle forms—a child smiling as she successfully tied a knot, another laughing when a bead slipped but she managed to fix it, and several proudly comparing their patterns with their friends. These expressions, small yet meaningful, reminded us how valuable such creative afternoons are in nurturing emotional wellbeing and self-esteem among our girls.

By the end of the session, the table was covered with colourful threads, scattered beads, and the happy mess of a productive afternoon. Most importantly, it was filled with a sense of accomplishment. Each girl held up the bracelet she made—each one different, each one beautiful, and each one expressing a piece of her inner world. What they created today is more than an accessory. It is a reminder that with guidance, patience, and a bit of creativity, they can shape something meaningful with their own hands—and carry that confidence forward into everything they do.