“Women should speak up freely about menstruation with their family members. They should not hesitate. In fact men have a major role in breaking the barriers. They should understand and come forward,” said deputy chief minister Diya Kumari while launching Project Kishori – a CSR initiative by Prazna Foundation funded by Brahmos Aerospace, a public sector unit of central government.
The ‘Project Kishori' is aimed at creating awareness about menstrual hygiene among women and young girls. During the launch ceremony at Jaipur, the chief guest Diya Kumari highlighted the importance of healthy discussion about menstrual hygiene in family.
“Talks have started at school level. But it should happen at homes also. In schools the environment is different. There should not be any shame in discussing about menstruation and its importance in women's lives.
“Why only menstruation, we must talk about other issues as well. Our new generation is getting misled. They go and talk with counsellors but not with family members. This is because there is a wall between parents and the children. That's why we need to make friends with children,” she said.
Lives of women is full of struggle
“ It is more when the woman is a professional. She has to take care of family as well as her professional commitments,” she said.
Diya Kumari said that the Modi government has taken various initiatives for women empowerment and welfare.
“Schemes like Har Ghar Jal, Toilets and Ujjwala have benefited women the most. The Prime Minister points out various issues in Mann Ki Baat programme. We must deliberate on those issues and work together to create a good and healthy society,” she said.
Diya Kumari said that Prazna Foundation is doing remarkable job in creating awareness n society.
“By joining hands with government, Prajana can do it more effectively. Business, corporates and industrialists don't spend on such sensitive issues in their CSR obligations. They must come forward to take up these issues,” she said.
Talking about menstruation should not be a taboo in society
Among other speakers assistant professor of Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU) Dr Ayushi Ketkar said that menstruation is still a taboo even in an educated society of the country.
“I wonder why women-health is given last priority in a society which worships women. To ensure women security and their health, men should come forward. Only a healthy woman can lay foundation of a healthy society,” she said.
Prazna Foundation committed to uplift lowest strata of society
Preeti Sharma, chairperson of Prazna Foundation said that her foundation works for the lowest strata of the society.
“I have drawn inspiration to work for creating awareness about menstrual hygiene from my father. He told me to interact with poor women living in katchi basti and enlighten them about their menstrual hygiene. If a women is not living in harmony and in healthy environment, then how can the society be healthy?” She questioned.
Sharma said that she has formed a Kishori Club of young girls who will distribute hygiene kits to menstruating girls among school girls and to the lower strata of society.
Sarita Waghate, deputy manager of Brahmos Aerospace said that the organisation is not only making supersonic cruise missiles but it is also taking care of the society.
“When we came across the proposal of Prazna Foundation, we immediately extended our support for the cause. We will continue to work towards making India stronger and healthier nation,” said.
Dr Shailja Jain, director of Rohit Hospital said that period is a healthy sign and shows that the metabolism of a girl is working well.
“Periods generally start at the age of 11. If a girl does not have period till the age of 16, she should consult doctor. Period is an indication that the reproductive health of the women is good,” she said.
Among others important dignitaries, Shivlahri, Vivekanand Sharma, Col Dhanesh, Vishal, Moolchand, Ganesh Goyal, Dharm Guru Rajendra, Krishna Kumar and Vivek Gupta were present.
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