Police & NGOs Boost Girls' School Attendance

Police in Madhya Pradesh have partnered with the NGO Samarpan to conduct menstrual health awareness sessions for adolescent girls. This initiative focuses on government schools and hostels in Panna and Narmadapuram districts, aiming to enhance school attendance and child protection.

Officers participate in educational sessions covering menstruation, hygiene, nutrition, and personal safety. The program also distributes reusable menstrual hygiene kits, featuring six cloth pads and an information booklet, to students in rural and tribal areas. These reusable pads offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable options.

The initiative has successfully reached over 8,000 girls in Panna and an additional 5,000 in Narmadapuram. Teachers report improved attendance among girls during their menstrual periods in participating schools. Police involvement in these sessions aims to foster trust and familiarity, encouraging girls to report distress or harassment.

Linked with child protection efforts, the program monitors attendance gaps to identify vulnerabilities such as family pressure or labor demands. Organizers highlight that this addresses a significant national challenge, where menstrual management difficulties contribute to nearly a quarter of girls leaving school after puberty. Affordability of menstrual products remains a key barrier, which the reusable kits help to overcome.