Menstruating women and girls in Northeast India often face challenges in accessing menstrual hygiene products due to lack of awareness, unavailability of hygiene products, poverty and social norms. Over the years NEN has undertaken several initiatives to train adolescent girls and women on using more sustainable products such as cloth pads and awareness campaigns on the most effective and hygenic way to use them. It was a great opportunity for participants and NEN team to learn from an expert on Menstruation, Menstrual Health and impacts of various menstrual products at the first initial meeting with Women’s Collective of Madanryting on 26th February, 2022. The programme also saw the participation of women from various localities of Shillong who are ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers and members of a Women’s Support Group – a Group started collectively by NEN, Grassroot Shillong and the Meghalaya Women’s Commission. Nelson Deb, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Eco Hub and Co-Founder of Bodhana NGO, Assam was the Resource Person. He enabled the participants recognise the importance of menstrual health and hygiene and also provided a clearer understanding on the need and significance of biodegradable, disposable and reusable sanitary pads. The programme has also helped the participants understand about social entrepreneurship.
