Guest Lecture on Menstrual Awareness

The Department of English & Cultural Studies, Department of Statistics & Data Science and Department of Computer Science in collaboration with Brand Side Story, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and Whisper India organised an event focused on conducting menstrual awareness and hygiene sessions for students of Classes 6 to 8 and 11to 12 across two different schools in Pune namely, C M International School, Balewadi, Orchid International School & Sidheswar High School on 27th and 29th April 2026. The aim of the guest lecture was to address a topic that is often surrounded by stigma, silence, and misinformation. The primary objective was to educate young girls about menstrual health, promote hygienic practices, and encourage a sense of confidence and openness when discussing menstruation. Recognizing the cultural and social barriers associated with the subject, the sessions were carefully designed to create a safe, comfortable, and interactive learning environment where students could engage without fear or hesitation.

The resource person for the event Ms. Shristi Singh, Counsellor of Christ University conducted each session with engaging and participatory activities to ensure that students remained attentive and actively involved. The content was delivered in a simple, clear, and age-appropriate manner, making it accessible to students from different backgrounds and levels of prior understanding. Key aspects of menstrual health were covered, including the biological process of menstruation, the importance of maintaining hygiene, and practical guidance on managing periods effectively in everyday life. The facilitators emphasized normalizing menstruation as a natural bodily process, helping to reduce feelings of embarrassment or shame that many students initially exhibited.

A significant strength of the sessions was their interactive nature. Students were encouraged to ask questions, express doubts, and share their experiences in an open and supportive setting. This approach gradually helped break down initial hesitation, leading to more active participation and honest conversations. The sessions also highlighted the importance of emotional well-being alongside physical health, acknowledging that menstruation is not just a biological process but also an experience shaped by social attitudes and personal perceptions.

To reinforce learning and extend the impact beyond the classroom, students were provided with thoughtfully curated goody bags. These included sanitary pads to promote hygienic practices, as well as bingo cards and stickers designed around menstrual awareness to make the learning process more engaging and memorable. The inclusion of “Dear Mom” notes was particularly meaningful, as it encouraged students to initiate conversations about menstruation at home, thereby bridging the gap between institutional learning and family dialogue. This element ensured that the awareness created during the sessions continued to resonate in their personal spaces.

Overall, the initiative successfully created a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where students felt heard, informed, and empowered. By addressing both the practical and emotional dimensions of menstruation, the sessions contributed to normalizing the topic and fostering a more positive and confident outlook among participants. The experience also revealed the importance of inclusive awareness, as several students expressed a desire for similar sessions to be conducted for boys, highlighting the need for broader conversations that challenge stigma at a societal level.