Categories: India

Maharashtra makes headway in ending cruel practice of ‘period huts’ for tribal women in Gadhchiroli region

<p>
<strong>Bringing about change is a gradual process yielding dividends slowly. Proving this is the programme launched by Maharashtra’s Gadhchiroli district administration aimed at trying to eradicate the inhuman and cruel practice of sending girls and women to Kurma Ghar or “Period Hut” during their critical menstrual period.</strong></p>
<p>
The initiative launched in 2018 aims to change the mindset of people to help the girls and women of Gond and Madia tribes who during menstruation faced several cultural, religious and social taboos.</p>
<p>
<strong>Winds of change</strong></p>
<p>
Now in place of Kurma Ghars, Mahila Visava Kendras or Women’s Rest Centres have come up. These are safe and secure spaces having all the basic amenities like toilets, bathrooms, handwashing facilities with soap and running water as well as cooking amenities.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Women_Rest_Room_Maharashtra2_PIB.webp" style="width: 720px; height: 480px;" /></p>
<p>
The women and girls during their stay in this centre can occupy themselves in self-help group activities and other hobbies as the place is equipped with a library, sewing machine, kitchen garden etc.</p>
<p>
All this enables the women to manage their menstruation with dignity.</p>
<p>
So far 23 such centres have been constructed with their architectural plan, layout and material specifications designed taking into account the local housing style and patterns. The District Administration is planning to build more than 400 such centres.</p>
<p>
Going beyond sanitation, this initiative aimed at menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is underlining the need for construction of toilets in households and schools for safe menstrual hygiene practices.  Further it aims at skill development and setting up of sanitary napkin dispensers and incinerators in schools and public toilets.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/School_Girls_of_Maharashtra_MHM.webp" style="width: 720px; height: 480px;" /></p>
<p>
Various programmes have been started to dispel myths and taboos surrounding menstruation, encouraging girls and women to talk about it and clarify doubts.</p>
<p>
<strong>Impact of the programme</strong></p>
<p>
Women and girls are now more aware of MHM and the need for sanitary pads or clean cloth. They are also questioning practices which refrain from bathing until the third day, or entering temple or kitchen or touching pickles. </p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

MEA condemns Canada’s “baseless references” against Home Minister Amit Shah

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly protested against recent allegations made by…

7 hours ago

“Verification patrolling has commenced… in Demchok and Depsang”: MEA on disengagement between India and China

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that verification patrolling has commenced in Demchok…

8 hours ago

“Sanctioned companies not in violation of Indian law,” says MEA after US sanctions 19 Indian companies

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday reacted to the recent U.S. sanctions imposed on…

8 hours ago

Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J-K’s Anantnag

Two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag…

11 hours ago

“Not an issue of security lapses, security forces giving befitting reply”: Rajnath Singh on J-K terror attacks

Terming the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as "unfortunate", Union Defence Minister Rajnath…

12 hours ago

Nasirabad: BYC holds demonstrations against enforced disappearances by Pakistan’s forces

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) held demonstrations against the ongoing enforced disappearances by the Pakistan…

15 hours ago