BANDIPORA: In a significant stride towards promoting menstrual hygiene and empowering young girls, the SANKALP Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW), Mission Shakti, Department of Social Welfare, Bandipora, has successfully installed 25 sanitary napkin vending machines in different schools across the district under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative.
The installation drive culminated on August 9, 2024, with the installation of the 25th vending machine at KGBV Quilmuqam. The schools where these vending machines have been installed include KGBV Quilmuqam, GHS Gujran, HSS PTL, HSS Kilshay, KGBV Gurez, GHSS Dawar, GMS Chewa, GMS Athwatoo, GMS Guzerbal, GMS Bonakoot, GMS Qazipora, HSS Nadihal, HS Zalpora, HS Ganastan, GMS Malikpora, HS Rakhishilvat, GMS Gundkhalil, GMS Naninara, GMS Aloosa, GMS Ashtangoo, GMS Kanibathi, GMS Quilmuqam, GMS Turkpora, HS Trigam and GMS Trigam.
Following the installation, an awareness camp was conducted at KGBV Quilmuqam, focusing on a range of critical issues. The session included discussions on health and hygiene, gender sensitivity, and the importance of girls' education. Attendees were also informed about the various forms of support available for their education, especially schemes designed to uplift women and poor communities.
In addition, the camp highlighted the importance of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSA) and the benefits of the Umang app, which provides easy access to a wide array of government services. The participants were also briefed on various social security and financial assistance schemes that are specifically designed to support women.
As part of the ongoing Swachhta Pakhwada campaign, the importance of cleanliness was emphasized, with tips provided on maintaining personal hygiene and keeping surroundings clean. This initiative is part of the broader effort to inculcate a sense of responsibility among the youth towards cleanliness and hygiene. District Mission Coordinator of the SANKALP HEW, Mission Shakti, Department of Social Welfare said that this initiative is crucial in ensuring young girls in Bandipora have access to essential hygiene products and are informed about their rights and available resources.
