The Department of Sociology organized a programme on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28th May. Menstrual Hygiene Day was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 and was observed for the first time in 2014. The theme for this year was “Together for a Period Friendly World.”
The programme was conducted with the objective of creating awareness about menstrual hygiene and breaking the silence, stigma, myths, and taboos associated with menstruation. Although menstruation is a natural biological process, it is often surrounded by misconceptions and lack of awareness, which sometimes restrict women from social and religious participation. The programme also highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes menstrual health as an important human rights issue.
The programme was attended by the Head of the Department, Mrs. Sushmita Gurung, faculty members Mrs. Kimla D. Bhutia and Mrs. Zangmoo Lepcha, office assistant Ms. Chanda Rai, and students of IV and VI Semester Honours.
The programme began with a short address by the HOD, Mrs. SushmitaGurung, who spoke on the importance of menstrual hygiene and awareness. She also discussed the traditional practice in western Nepal, where women during menstruation were required to stay seperately in small huts known as “Chhaupadi”. She explained that such practices emerged from traditional beliefs and social taboos that considered menstruation impure. She further highlighted that although awareness and education have improved overtime, many women still continues to face stigma and discrimination related to menstruation. She emphasized that maintaining menstrual hygiene itself is not the main issue for women but rather the stigma attached to it such as the bekief that menstruation should not be openly discussed and must be kept secret, which adds extra emotional and social burden on women.
This was followed by a presentation by IV Semester Sociology students Ms. Priyanka Chauhan and Mr. Ujjwal Gurung, who explained the basics of menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and health. They highlighted the scientific reasons behind menstruation, explaining why periods occur and how the entire biological process takes place in the female body. They also discussed the importance of awareness in a simple manner making the session engaging and educational for the audience.The presentation session was further continued by VI Semester students Ms. Bhumika Rai and Mr. Aditya Chettri, who focussed on the social aspects of menstruation and discussed the various forms of discrimination and stigma faced by women in their daily life during menstruation. They also emphasized how men and male peers can play a supportive role by showing understanding, care and cooperation in easing a physical and emotional burdens faced by women during menstruation. The presentations were delivered very effectively and were appreciated by everyone present.
After the presentation session, a Poster Making Competition was conducted among 10 groups of students. The students actively participated and presented creative and informative posters based on the theme of menstrual hygiene and awareness. After careful evaluation of the posters, the 1st prize was awarded to IV Semester Group 1, the second prize was secured by Group 4 and the 3rd prize was awarded to VI Semester Group A. The programme not only created awareness regarding menstrual health but also helped students developed teamwork, cooperation, creativity and communication skills through group activities.
The programme also included a felicitation ceremony for students who represented the Department of Sociology in various events and brought medals and awards to the department. As a token of appreciation, encouragement, and motivation for the juniors, the department presented gifts to the students for their achievements and contributions.
The programme concluded with encouraging words by the HOD, Mrs. SushmitaGurung, who thanked everyone for their cooperation, active participation, and contribution towards making the programme successful.
