TFP Bureau, Korba; June 5, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), part of Vedanta Aluminium, has spearheaded a series of initiatives in observance of Menstrual Health & Hygiene Day (May 28). The weeklong activities focused on breaking the stigma around menstruation and promoting sustainable menstrual health management practices in the rural areas of Korba district, Chhattisgarh.
The ‘Supporting Green Periods’ initiative, part of BALCO’s Project Nayi Kiran, aimed at empowering women from economically vulnerable families by training them to make reusable cloth pads. This initiative reached over 1,500 adolescents and adults, using traditional games and infotainment sessions to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about menstruation.
Project Nayi Kiran has positively impacted over 60,000 people through various menstrual health awareness initiatives. Key activities included:
Maa Beti-Saas Bahu Samelan: An interactive ‘Snake and Ladder’ game that facilitates dialogue on menstrual health, addressing myths and facts.
Ratri Chaupal: Screening films about menstruation to spark community discussions on menstrual health behaviors.
Chai Pe Charcha: Sessions led by nutritionists educating rural women on balanced diets to combat anemia, followed by health check-ups conducted by gynecologist Dr. Gayatri Sharma.
Safe Spaces Campaign: Partnering with providers of menstrual products to challenge societal norms and promote open conversations about menstruation.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the importance of ensuring access to quality fertilizers and seeds for the upcoming Kharif season and directed officials to monitor demand and supply closely. The Agriculture Production Commissioner reported that 67% of the required fertilizers and 114% of the needed seeds are already available, with distribution underway.
Recognizing the importance of health, BALCO’s CEO and Director, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, stated,
“Through Project Nayi Kiran, we are empowering every participant to become an ambassador of change, fostering a safe environment for women during menstruation.”
BALCO’s efforts in enhancing Menstrual Health & Hygiene awareness have been acknowledged by various organizations, including the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), which awarded BALCO the prestigious ASSOCHAM Award 2024 for ‘Maximum Impact by CSR Initiative in Menstrual Hygiene-Corporate & PSUs’.
Project Nayi Kiran, initiated in 2019 in partnership with Sarthak Jan Vikas Sansthan (SJVS), aims to demystify menstrual myths and promote sustainable hygiene practices. Since its inception, the project has educated over 60,000 people and trained more than 600 community members as master trainers in 45 villages of Korba.
