Monday, October 6, 2025 – Around 100 girls from a government school in District Jhang actively participated in a dynamic set of activities aimed at raising awareness on menstrual hygiene management, anemia, and nutrition. The event also featured the formation of a health club, a poster competition that allowed students to creatively express their priorities, and a motivational visit from a local role model encouraging girls to pursue their education against all odds.
These activities were part of the 3-year project, “Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality”, supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad. The project, which has aimed to empower girls and promote gender equality through education and health initiatives, is set to conclude by the end of November 2025.
Project Coordinator Ms. Sumera Sattar, with the support of Ms. Bismillah Iram – Head of Roshan Rahien, Khanewal – and the assigned teachers, successfully conducted the awareness activities. Their joint efforts focused on protecting girls’ fundamental rights to education and health, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
As part of the initiative, a health club was established, and hygiene kits were distributed to students with the encouragement to refill them on a voluntary basis for sustained use.
Key health and hygiene messages shared during the session included:
• Menstruation is a natural and normal process.
• Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and keeping the body dry during periods.
• Stay hydrated, even if you’re not feeling thirsty, as it helps prevent urinary tract infections.
• Change sanitary pads every 4 to 6 hours, depending on menstrual flow.
• Manage menstruation well to continue education.
Students were also taught how to make reusable sanitary pads at home. Emphasis was placed on safe practices, such as proper washing and sun-drying of reusable cloth to prevent infections.
Ms. Bismillah Irum led the session as a role model, inspiring the girl students to recognize the value of education and the importance of learning business development skills. She introduced the concept of recycling and showcased products created at her training unit using leftover materials. Through her story and examples, she encouraged the students to enhance their skills and take initiative by starting small, sustainable projects.
As part of the activities, the girls also created posters to visually express their thoughts on topics such as climate change, girls’ education, and the overall importance of learning. A health club was formally established under the supervision of senior teacher Ms. Azra, who was appointed as the focal person. The 12-member club received initial training and support to manage menstrual health and respond to period-related emergencies within the school.
