UNESCO India and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham have collaborated to launch the impactful and empowering "Spotlight Red" campaign, dedicated to raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene management. The campaign specifically targets women, with a focus on young girls attending school in Hyderabad. This significant initiative was revealed during a prestigious event organized by the Gender Equality and Integrated Holistic Health Working Groups of C20 India.
At the core of the campaign are five teaching-learning modules developed by UNESCO India in partnership with Procter & Gamble, Whisper. These modules tackle critical challenges associated with menstrual health and hygiene management, including disability, gender, educators, young adults, and nutrition. Offering comprehensive resources and strategies, the modules aim to enhance understanding and skills related to menstruation management while fostering awareness about its broader societal impact.
The primary objective of the "Spotlight Red" campaign is to empower adolescents, particularly girls with disabilities, by providing them with access to period and puberty education. Furthermore, the campaign strives to create a supportive environment at the school, state, and national levels, enabling these adolescents to continue their education and thrive. The modules have been meticulously designed to equip learners, educators, menstruators, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate menstrual health challenges effectively.
Under the #KeepGirlsinSchool campaign, UNESCO India and P&G also established a National Survey and Gap Analysis announcement on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management. This comprehensive report sheds light on the disheartening reality that 50% of adolescent girls in poor urban areas lack access to hygienic methods for managing their periods. However, it is encouraging to note that economically developed states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the union territory of Delhi have exhibited a higher adoption rate of hygienic methods.
The launch event, which witnessed the participation of more than 220 individuals, including girl students, teachers from various schools in Hyderabad, and civil society organizations, welcomed distinguished guests who offered valuable insights. Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, DGP Office, Hyderabad, highlighted the urgent need for menstrual health and hygiene management in schools and the critical role played by education and comprehensive support systems in achieving gender equality.
Guest of Honour, Mrs D Hari Chandana, IAS, from the Chief Secretary Office, Secretariat, Hyderabad, emphasized the importance of educating not only girls but also boys, fathers, and individuals at large. She stressed the need to break cultural taboos and promote awareness to create an inclusive society that supports menstrual health.
Ms Shilpi Gupta, Supply Chain Manager at Whisper, Procter and Gamble India, expressed her concern about the lack of menstruation education and products, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive modules that cover various aspects such as period information, nutrition, diverse genders, and guidance for teachers and parents. She urged society to enable girls to experience their first periods without confusion or embarrassment, allowing them to live, play, and study with confidence and comfort.
Dr Bhavani Rao, C20 Coordinator of the Working Group on Gender Equality and UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, highlighted the significance of shifting the conversation towards environmentally friendly menstrual products and involving women in their manufacturing and marketing. She stressed the importance of including civil society voices in promoting menstrual health and hygiene, particularly for young and school-going girls, while advocating for the development of eco-friendly alternatives.
The launch event also featured a comprehensive survey and gap analysis report, accompanied by compelling short films that showcased different dimensions of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management. These films provided insights into the diverse experiences and perspectives surrounding menstruation, covering seven states in India. In addition, an empowering "Pride of Period Anthem" was presented to foster inclusivity, break down barriers, and eliminate the stigma associated with menstruation.
The "Spotlight Red" campaign, driven by the collaboration between UNESCO India and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, promises to be a powerful force in promoting menstrual health and hygiene management. By equipping individuals with knowledge, breaking taboos, and advocating for inclusive policies, this campaign is set to create a promising and inclusive future for all menstruators. Through its comprehensive modules and advocacy efforts, "Spotlight Red" aims to transform the lives of young girls, empowering them to reach their full potential and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
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