P&G Whisper & UNESCO Collaborates on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Campaign in Hyd
HYDERABAD: 1 out of 5 girls in India drop out of school due to lack of period education and products. Mothers are a girl’s first teacher, but reports say 7 out of 10 mothers do not fully understand the science of periods and find it ‘dirty or impure’. To address menstrual education and hygiene management, P&G Whisper and UNESCO India joined forces with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, to raise awareness, particularly among women, including young girls attending school. An event was organized by the Gender Equality and Integrated Holistic Health Working Groups of C20 India at the B.M. Birla Science Museum in Hyderabad. Introducing five teaching-learning modules developed by UNESCO India with Whisper, these modules address the various challenges associated with menstrual health and hygiene management, such as disability, gender, educators, young adults, and nutrition.
Titled "Spotlight Red," the teaching-learning modules offer comprehensive resources and strategies for learners, educators, menstruators, and community leaders. Their purpose is to enhance understanding and skills related to menstruation management while fostering awareness about its societal impact. The modules aim to empower adolescents from diverse backgrounds, including girls with disabilities, by providing them with access to period and puberty education. Moreover, they seek to create a supportive environment through interventions at the school, state, and national levels, enabling these adolescents to continue their education.
P&G Whisper and UNESCO India also launched a National Survey and Gap Analysis report on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management under the #KeepGirlsinSchool campaign. The report revealed that in poor urban areas, 50% of adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19) lack access to hygienic methods for managing their periods. More than 220 people attended the event, including girl students, teachers from various schools in Hyderabad, along with civil society organizations.
Distinguished guests attending the launch included Chief Guest Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, DGP Office, Hyderabad; Guest of Honour, Mrs. D Hari Chandana, IAS, from the Chief Secretary Office, Secretariat, Hyderabad; Dr. Huma Masood, Senior Gender Specialist at UNESCO India; Ms. Shilpi Gupta, Product Supply Leader, Procter and Gamble India; and Dr. Pragnatha Komaravolu, Pediatric Consultant at Amrita Hospital, Kochi.
Dr. Huma Masood, Gender Specialist at UNESCO New Delhi Multisectoral Regional Office, stated, “Spotlight Red – A UNESCO and P&G Whisper initiative, #KeepGirlsinSchool, is a comprehensive approach to address the urgent need for menstrual health and hygiene management in schools. With 23 million girls dropping out annually due to lack of proper facilities and information, we combine education and advocacy to empower every learner and menstruator."
Guest of Honour, Mrs. D Hari Chandana, IAS, Chief Secretary Office, Secretariat, Hyderabad, addressed the audience, stating, "We must educate not just girls, but also boys, fathers, and every individual, breaking cultural taboos and promoting awareness. Together, as change-makers, we have the power to transform society. Let us spread this message, inspire others, and create a brighter future.”
Ms. Shilpi Gupta, Product Supply Leader at Procter and Gamble India, expressed, "Today, 1 in 5 girls drop out of school due to a lack of menstruation education and products. Shockingly, 70% of girls are unaware of periods when they first experience them. Girls we encounter in cities and towns express their confusion, mistaking menstruation for an illness and lacking guidance. We can agree mothers are a girl's closest friends, teachers, and confidant as per report, seven out of 10 mothers lack knowledge about menstruation as well. I take immense pride in collaborating with UNESCO to unveil inclusive and exhaustive teaching modules. These cover not only period information but also nutrition, diverse genders, and guidance for teachers and parents. Changing even one girl's life can have a significant impact. My hope is for our daughters to attend school and experience their first period without confusion or embarrassment. They should be able to live, play, and study with confidence and comfort."
During the event, UNESCO showcased a comprehensive survey and gap analysis report, accompanied by a series of short films that effectively portrayed different dimensions of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management. These films shed light on the diverse experiences and perspectives related to this vital subject matter, spanning across seven states in India. To further break down barriers and eliminate stigma surrounding periods, an empowering "Pride of Period Anthem" was also presented, fostering a more promising and inclusive future for all individuals who menstruate.
