Do we think we can tackle such a big taboo?
One of the most amazing things about this taboo lies in the simplicity of the solution. The taboo is a big one. A complex one. However, we realised, the solution is just as simple and small.
One of the most amazing things about this taboo lies in the simplicity of the solution. The taboo is a big one. A complex one. However, we realised, the solution is just as simple and small.
Can you imagine the impact that this one small step can make on the life of a girl? Just knowledge of the fact that something like that might happen to her and that it is natural can save her the fear, the shame and the questions that run in her head.
Apart from keeping the girl informed and prepared, knowing what is happening inside the body when one is menstruating can play a big role avoiding the unscientific myths that a girl will eventually learn to believe in as she grows into a woman. And if she mothers a girl child, you can be sure as hell that she will keep her daughter informed and prepared for her periods as well. Therefore, you see, by educating one girl, one can set the ball rolling for a taboo free menstruation for the coming generations.
How does one reach out to the girls?
Apart from keeping the girl informed and prepared, knowing what is happening inside the body when one is menstruating can play a big role avoiding the unscientific myths that a girl will eventually learn to believe in as she grows into a woman. And if she mothers a girl child, you can be sure as hell that she will keep her daughter informed and prepared for her periods as well. Therefore, you see, by educating one girl, one can set the ball rolling for a taboo free menstruation for the coming generations.
How does one reach out to the girls?
As Piramal Fellows, we have been working closely with the teachers for the past year and a half. We know some teachers who are really motivated and passionate when it comes to girl child education. Upon interaction with some of them, we realised that they are interested to take the knowledge to the classes and reach out to the girls. Many of them do it, to the best of their abilities. However, lack of understanding of the science, lack of facilitation skills and lack of necessary resource materials have left the teachers a little lost. But, when we brought up the topic, they were more than happy to contribute. These teachers will be our torchbearers.
In order to equip the teachers in terms of scientific knowledge, cultural sensitivity and facilitation skills, we have collaborated with Jatan Sansthan. They will be conducting a one day workshop for the teachers. The workshop will empower the teachers to take the same initiative in their classrooms.
To assist the teachers, Jatan has also designed a one day workshop for girls. From each of the chosen schools, one girl representative from class 6, 7 and 8 respectively will be trained in the same manner as the teachers. This will also empower the girls to be role models to their peers as it is often seen that children learn better within their peer groups.
How can the learning be made less academic and more fun?
In order to equip the teachers in terms of scientific knowledge, cultural sensitivity and facilitation skills, we have collaborated with Jatan Sansthan. They will be conducting a one day workshop for the teachers. The workshop will empower the teachers to take the same initiative in their classrooms.
To assist the teachers, Jatan has also designed a one day workshop for girls. From each of the chosen schools, one girl representative from class 6, 7 and 8 respectively will be trained in the same manner as the teachers. This will also empower the girls to be role models to their peers as it is often seen that children learn better within their peer groups.
How can the learning be made less academic and more fun?
The comic's recent release in Hindi is a big boon to our attempt to break the taboo in our schools. The book is a one time investment and will be made available in the libraries where the girls (and also, perhaps, boys) can borrow the book and read it at the comfort (and privacy) of their homes.
The other major advantage of the comic is that using this comic, we will be able to reach out to schools where there is no lady teacher who can guide the girls or in schools where the lady staff is not comfortable in talking to the girls. In such cases, just issuing the books to the girls can still make a significant contribution to the lives of the girls.
While the book costs 475 INR, Aditi Gupta has offered to make the book available at 100 INR upon ordering in a bulk of 500 or more copies.
The other major advantage of the comic is that using this comic, we will be able to reach out to schools where there is no lady teacher who can guide the girls or in schools where the lady staff is not comfortable in talking to the girls. In such cases, just issuing the books to the girls can still make a significant contribution to the lives of the girls.
While the book costs 475 INR, Aditi Gupta has offered to make the book available at 100 INR upon ordering in a bulk of 500 or more copies.