JRP: Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026

From Manoranjan Mishra and the Indian Blue Community JRP – Jeevan Rekha Parishad:

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, Jeevanrekha Parishad observed a special awareness and health programme at its Daspalla office on 28 May 2026. The programme was attended by 65 adolescent girls, 10 Anganwadi workers and 20 women Self Help Group members from nearby tribal communities. The event was inaugurated by Dr. P. Das, while Dr. Prashmita Tejaswani joined as Guest of Honour in the presence of Dr. M. R. Mishra.

The programme included workshops, lectures and awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, nutrition and prevention of infections among adolescent girls and women. Winners of the menstrual hygiene drawing competition were awarded prizes and certificates. A major highlight of the event was the reproductive health check-up camp for 60 women and girls. Doctors found that many participants were suffering from irregular menstrual periods, white discharge, anaemia, RTI/STI infections and lack of awareness regarding reproductive health. Medicines were distributed and counselling on preventive care, hygiene practices and nutrition was provided.

All participants received hygiene kits containing “JeevanSathi” sanitary pads produced by JRP under the SNAPs project. During the health screening, 32 women and adolescent girls were referred to Government health facilities for Pap smear tests and cervical cancer prevention vaccination. The programme highlighted the serious lack of access to menstrual health services, reproductive healthcare and health education among women in tribal pockets of Odisha. JRP emphasized the urgent need for collective action, community awareness and improved healthcare access to ensure dignity, safety and healthy lives for rural and tribal women and girls.