An exceptional-initiatives on reproductive healthcare

Saraswati Rani Pahari has undertaken an exceptional initiative on reproductive healthcare who is a student of class X and come from a very poor family.  Her father works in a brickfield as labor and lives in Hilalipara village, Gobindganj of Gaibandha district.

Practically it is observed that teenagers like this marginalized girl in that area are afraid of the physical and mental changes of puberty. At that time, they faced many problems but cannot share with anyone. The girls are mentally disturbed at this time. Adolescents undergo physical changes along with mental changes. At this time, their likes and dislikes and views are reformed. Sometimes they get angry, sometimes they stop eating and drinking, sometimes they eat too much, and sometimes they are in a cold mood. So, parents, friends and relatives need to play a supportive role at that times.

Janaudyog realized that there is a lack of awareness in this regard among the adolescent especially the marginalized. Civic Platform, Janaudyog organized awareness meeting on puberty issues for indigenous adolescent girls. A detailed discussion on this issue was held in the meeting which made Saraswati Rani Pahari mulled over. Interested in working with the problem of teenagers, she contacted with Janaudyog.

On their advice, she organized 15 indigenous girls of the area and formed ‘Kishori Dal- adolescent group’. Saraswati regularly held group meetings, discussions on various problems of girls, etc. She observes that among the problems of adolescents, the problem of puberty is very important and complex.Saraswati shared experiences with five teenage girls through training organized by Janaudyog. They then conducted a survey among 50 teenage girls in the area.  various superstitions during puberty, use of unhygienic clothes during menstruation, not being able to tell about problems to mother, sister and teachers come up.Members of the Saraswati Kishori team, presented the results of the survey to their parents and local people and went door to door to discuss with mothers, sisters and teachers to raise awareness. Moreover, an awareness workshop was conducted in a girls’ high school in the area along with a health worker. Now everyone knows Saraswati and her work has created a stir in the area.Saraswati Rani Pahari’s implementation of such a noble initiative, Indigenous Santal, Mahali, Onrao and Malpahari girls of Gobindganj are no longer afraid of this natural issue of puberty. They use hygienic sanitary napkins instead of unhygienic menstrual cloths. A ‘Kishori Corner’ has been set up in her school and essential materials including sanitary napkins are kept there. Now teenagers don’t feel embarrassed to come to school on their periods.Through public awareness workshops and support and Saraswati’s initiatives, Indigenous families take extra care of and spend time with girls. Adolescents also now get a proper understanding of puberty and can give proper information to adults about using sanitary napkins.