Bhubaneswar: Marking Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 with the theme “Ending Stigma”, VIEWS organised an awareness and community engagement programme at Sikharchandi Nagar Youth Club in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, bringing together nearly 150 adolescent girls from 40 urban slums of the city.
The event focused on promoting menstrual hygiene awareness, dignity and open conversations around menstruation while encouraging young girls to overcome social taboos and stigma associated with periods.
The programme was inaugurated by VIEWS Programme Director Sunil Kumar Ghadei. Speaking during the session, Lead Communication of VIEWS Sasmita Kumar Nayak highlighted the importance of menstrual health awareness and stressed the need to build a supportive and stigma-free environment for adolescent girls and women.
Several guests attending the programme motivated the participants with messages centred on health, confidence, education and empowerment. Among those present were Dr. Kumar Abhishek, Malabika Rath, Suresh Kumar, L.N. Mausumi Sanjay Patnaik, Dr. G. Priyanka, Sukruti Das, Madhumita Das and Debasmita.
A mega sanitary pad distribution drive was also conducted by Sukruti Charitable Foundation for all adolescent girls participating in the programme.
To spread awareness in an engaging manner, club members presented cultural performances including awareness dramas, dance performances and Nukkad Natak focusing on menstrual hygiene and the need to end discrimination and silence around menstruation.
An awareness rally was later organised across Sikharchandi area and Jallimunda Sahi, carrying messages on menstrual dignity, hygiene awareness and social inclusion.
Organisers said the initiative aimed to strengthen community participation and create greater awareness on menstrual rights and dignity while encouraging more open discussions on menstrual health in society.
