Awareness Session on Reproductive Health for Adolescent Girls
An awareness session on reproductive health for adolescent girls was organised by Munnade Social Organisation on 11 January 2026 at the Munnade Workers Resource Centre. The session was designed to create a safe and informative space for adolescent girls to understand the physical and emotional changes associated with growing up, particularly around menstruation and reproductive health. A total of 35 girls participated.
The session was facilitated by Gayathri from Me Too Foundation, who led an open and engaging discussion on topics such as bodily changes during adolescence, menstrual health and hygiene, and the role of hormones and hormonal imbalance. She explained that menstruation is a natural biological process and addressed common myths and fears that often create anxiety and confusion among young girls.
During the interaction, several participants raised questions based on their personal experiences. Some girls expressed concern about irregular periods in the initial years, to which Gayathri reassured them that irregular cycles are common when menstruation begins, as the body takes time to adjust to hormonal changes. Questions were also raised about mood swings experienced during menstruation, and she explained how hormonal fluctuations can affect emotions, emphasizing that these changes are normal and manageable with self-care. The girls also asked whether it was safe to attend school or play sports during periods, and Gayathri encouraged them to continue their daily activities without fear, provided proper hygiene is maintained. Concerns regarding severe menstrual pain were also discussed, with guidance provided on when to seek medical support and how to manage discomfort through rest, hydration, and simple lifestyle practices.
The interactive nature of the session allowed the girls to speak freely and seek clarity without hesitation. Many participants shared after the programme that they felt relieved and more confident about the changes in their bodies. Some girls mentioned that they had previously felt scared or ashamed about menstruation but now understood that it is a normal part of life. Others shared that the session helped them understand why they experience emotional and physical changes every month, and that they felt empowered to take better care of their health and even share this information with friends.
Overall, the session successfully contributed to increased awareness, reduced stigma around menstruation, and improved confidence among adolescent girls. The event reflected Munnade’s continued commitment to supporting the health, well-being, and life skills development of children and adolescents from garment worker communities.