QUETTA: Former Minister and noted social activist, Ms Roshan Khursheed Bharucha has said that creating awareness about menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is the critical need of the hour. The stakeholders from public, private, and development sectors should join hands to enhance impact and outreach of their efforts.

These views were expressed by her while addressing a special event held here on Saturday in connection with Global MH Day 2022. The event held by Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) in collaboration with MHM Working Group, Quetta and its members organizations including GIZ, UNICEF, Qatar Charity, and Mercy Corps.

Director General, Health Services, Balochistan, Noor Muhammad Qazi on the occasion asserted that to promote MHM related awareness in the society, we need to take teachers, female students of religious seminaries, lady health visitors and leaders from CSOs on board. Deputy Inspector General Police, Balochistan, Jawad Ahmad Dogar informed the participants that he is already planning to include MHM subjects in the training for the police, especially for the female staff.

Mr Zulaikha Buledi, Co-Chair of MHM Working Group, Quetta, was of view that that although the discussion around this critical issue pertaining to health and hygiene of women is becoming more acceptable now. However, mass awareness programmes to change the existing mindset in the society should be continued keeping the nature challenge in view. She said that sustainability of MHM Secretariate, Quetta must be ensured by the partner organizations. Mr Irfan Ahmad Awan, representing Education Department, emphasized on the need of girls’ friendly school to deal with the issue effectively.

Dr Shahnawaz, CEO, BRSP, while sharing his views said that he is quite optimistic that the awareness raising efforts on the subject would bring a real change in the society. He assured the participants that BRSP would continue its effort to reach out to diverse segments of society on MHM and encourage a broader engagement to promote the message. Ms Tania Khan, representing MHM Alliance asserted that we need to follow a joint strategy by all relevant sectors including education and health to ensure access to MHM related services and products to every woman and girl.

During the ceremony, religious leaders representing Muslim, Christian, and Sikh faiths highlighted those religions encourage facilitation to women to enable them to protect their personal hygiene. To highlight MHM related issues, painting competition amongst the students and role-playing performances were also made part of the event. Earlier, Ms Shahana Tabassum and Dr Nilofar presented a detailed background of the MH Day and said that it has been an excellent opportunity to spread much needed awareness on the critical issue of MHM and related challenges.