post news network
Bhubaneswar, July 15: Menstruation is still a taboo in the state and girls need to know more about the bodily process. The point was highlighted at the launch of a video on menstrual hygiene here Friday.
Along with the video titled ‘Sunolo Sakhi’, which is designed to reach hearing and speech-impaired girls, too, a book titled ‘Rethink-Retool-Reboot’ was also released at the programme held by the non-profit Practical Action.
‘Sunolo Sakhi’ is based on a question and answer format and draws from a three-month interactive radio programme aired on a private channel. The video will be shown in slums of Bhubaneswar through Sakhi club that would help young girls learn about menstruation.
Johnson Devraj, WASH specialist UNICEF addressed the gathering. He highlighted the need for inclusive menstrual hygiene education for girls. He suggested that technology can be used to educate girls on the subject.
The book gives examples of technologies in menstrual hygiene that solely benefit private companies and the rich.
Paul Smith Lomas, CEO of Practical Action spoke about the book. “Women in urban areas have limited access to modern technology; so the condition of rural women is easy to imagine. The use of technology is pushing our planet towards a crisis. It is not working for the majority of people and is not benefiting the planet. We need to find innovative means, keeping our planet in mind. It is time we did a rethink and retooled ourselves considering what our planet needs. Technology should not only serve people but also the planet,” Paul said.