MHM Clubs in UP schools to boost menstrual awareness

Lucknow: As the world celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, UP govt has asked all state-run upper primary, composite schools, including Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, to constitute Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Clubs.According to the directives issued by director general of school education (DGSE) Monika Rani, the MHM Club will organise fortnightly meetings to disseminate knowledge among their peers regarding safe MHM practices, behaviours and related topics.Consisting of 10-12 girls, who will serve as MHM peer leaders, these clubs will foster awareness and empowerment regarding issues related to menstrual hygiene. The clubs will establish pad banks within the school premises, from where girls can procure sanitary napkins free of cost in case of an emergency.It will also educate students on the right way of using sanitary napkins, hold discussions on the importance of an iron-rich diet and hygiene during menstruation. Once a month, the club members will organise an ‘MHM Dialogue’ involving a doctor or an ANM (auxiliary nurse midwife) to dispel myths and misconceptions.“Mothers should also be invited to attend this session,” Rani said.She added that the MHM Dialogue sessions will educate girls about menstrual health and hygiene, foster open dialogue with them, share accurate information regarding menstruation, and address the girls’ questions and curiosities.In addition, a designated section of the school will be developed as an MHM corner where paintings and slogans related to menstrual hygiene will be created.