Breaking Barriers in Mangar: Empowering Women Through Menstrual Health Education

One of the most impactful initiatives undertaken by Project Hayd has been our visits to Mangar village, where we directly engaged with women and young girls to address menstrual health concerns. These visits aimed to build trust, create awareness, and provide much-needed resources to a community where menstrual health is often shrouded in silence.

During these sessions, we provided the women and girls with 6,000 Paree pads, emphasizing that these products were sustainable and safe for both personal and environmental health. Alongside the distribution, we conducted engaging workshops to help participants understand how and why they get periods, explaining the biological process in a simple, relatable way. Visual aids and interactive discussions ensured that the information was accessible and empowering, even for those with limited educational backgrounds.

Through these interactions, we uncovered the prevalence of deep-rooted myths surrounding menstruation in the community. Many women shared beliefs such as the need to sleep on the floor instead of beds during their periods or restrictions from entering places of worship. These myths reinforced feelings of shame and isolation. Addressing these misconceptions became a crucial part of our workshops, as we emphasized the natural and biological nature of menstruation, encouraging participants to view it without stigma or fear.

A key focus was fostering open discussions about menstruation, an often-taboo topic in the village. By encouraging the women and girls to share their thoughts and ask questions, we created a space where they felt heard and supported. Many participants expressed relief at finally being able to discuss their challenges openly, without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Our collaboration with community leaders and local authorities was instrumental in reinforcing the impact of our efforts. They were encouraged to continue the dialogue, ensuring that the message of menstrual health and hygiene was sustained long after our visit.

These visits to Mangar village represent our commitment to reaching underserved communities and making menstrual health a priority for all. By addressing stigma, debunking myths, and providing sustainable resources, we are paving the way for a healthier, more empowered generation of women and girls.