Period to the shame : A MAD Project

“ Periods don't have to be a Whisper anymore”

We were a group of 15 members. The Objectives of our MAD project was 'Awareness, Provision and dissolve the Taboo.' When we first decided to make a Proposal to introduce Sanitary-Napkins in our school's girls' bathrooms, we knew we were to face a few problems. All girls go through some changes in their body during the years that they are in high-school. Nowadays, with puberty hitting most girls even earlier, we have girls menstruating from as early as the fourth or fifth grade. Despite the education given in the subject of biology, girls go through changes which they may not yet be ready for. They may be embarrassed to discuss the topic of menstruation in front of everyone. While some may not be conscious or hesitant to discuss or disclose the fact that they may be on their period, most others, 13 or 18, prefer to keep that information to themselves due to their insecurities or embarrassment. Most girls may not be able to predict when their next cycle is approaching. Some may even begin menstruating or get their period for the first time in school itself. In these situations these girls must either go themselves to the medical room or ask a friend to do so; both situations are understandably extremely uncomfortable. There have been several instances when our juniors, in a clear state of unease and discomfort, have come up to us and felt obviously embarrassed to ask us for a sanitary napkin. Hence, we proposed an idea as a solution. For the premise of the school level, we suggested that we install baskets in each cubicle or small cupboard, in the 3rd, 5th and 7th floor bathrooms, equipped with sanitary napkins and newspapers. We plan on collaborating with Hitansh Doshi of Grade 12, to build our own dispensers using his robotics and technological skills. This addition would reduce unease while acquiring a sanitary napkin whenever needed in the nearby washrooms. It would create stress-free environments and ease the discomfort related to looking for help. We also suggested visiting classes 6 and upwards to talk to the girls about correct disposal, answer questions or simply spread the word about the facility's existence along with Miss Vasundhara, our school counselor and Head of PSHE who willingly agreed to join us in our cause. The other activities we suggested were an art competition or exhibition to combat the taboo; talks by role models, well-known figures in society. In order to spread the cause to the far reaches of the city we suggested we adopt a public school. We would look into the awareness and providing facilities there. We also suggested taking our cause into the much-needed awareness zone of the schools in villages. We believe that this addition, although small, would go a long way in making our female students' lives less stress ful and more comfortable.

At the CAS Fete 2018, we held a parents football match to raise money for Period to the Shame. This event was the precursor to the main Kick For A Cause (KFC) event. We also sold roses that day at the venue, in order to appraise everyone attending the fete and requesting them to help us raise awareness. We were happy to have raised a generous sum of approximately 13,000 rupees.