JCI Dhaka Cosmopolitan completes project Annonya

The beginning of menstruation means the start of a new phase with new challenges in the life of adolescent girls. Yet, numerous girls face stigma, harassment and social exclusion during the time of menstruation. In underprivileged communities, low awareness of safe menstrual practices and limited access to necessary sanitary napkins places girls at a high risk of many physical and mental health issues.

To address these, JCI Dhaka Cosmopolitan conducted Project Anonnya in collaboration with Shaathi Bangladesh. This first phase was conducted on 29th January 2023 at Shantibagh High School. In August a survey was done on the impact of the first phase. Based on the response of the survey, a second phase was conducted on 22nd August 2023 at Shantibagh High School.

Access to proper menstrual kits and awareness on menstrual health and hygiene practices will empower girls and women and give them a better quality of life. The project was led by 2023 Local Director of JCI Dhaka Cosmopolitan, Khondker Nasif Akhter.

During the project, JCI Dhaka Cosmopolitan in collaboration with Shaathi Bangladesh distributed 260 menstrual kits to students and staff of Shantibagh High School. In total, 780 reusable pads, 520 underwears and 260 soap were distributed between first and second phase. Each reusable pad can be used for up to 8 months, so one kit should support a girl for 1 year.

Following the menstrual kit distribution, a session was conducted by healthcare professionals to educate girls about safe menstrual health and hygiene practices. The session also focused on addressing taboo mentalities around menstruation. Another session was conducted by Faria Hasin, Founder, CEO and Coach of Ignite Evolution on premenstrual syndrome and how to cope with it.

The survey conducted following the completion of phase one has shown that 28 of the 30 girls are using Shaathi reusable pads on a monthly basis whilst menstruating. 99% of these girls retain the reusable pads for their next menstrual cycle. 100% of the girls have shared that they found the sessions conducted to be very insightful and impactful. Shaathi reusable pads are affordable, easy to use, hygienic as well as eco-friendly. JCI Dhaka Cosmopolitan conducted this project over multiple phases to ensure sustainable impact.

2023 Local President of JCI Dhaka Cosmopolitan Samiha Akhter has said that, "Despite being a very natural process, menstruation is a taboo in Bangladesh and we aim to address that and improve menstrual health and hygiene with Project Anonnya."

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is the world's leading global network of young active citizens and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri in the US. Currently, there are over 5000 members actively participating in JCI Bangladesh for the development and betterment of society.