Empowering Change on National Girl Child Day: A Seminar on Sustainable Menstrual Health at NITTE Mangalore

On the account of National Girl Child Day, a meaningful and impactful Menstrual Health
Awareness Seminar was conducted at NGSM IPS Mangalore, bringing together students, faculty, and health experts to promote informed, sustainable, and science-based menstrual practices. The event was thoughtfully organized to align menstrual health education with broader goals of
women’s empowerment, sustainability, and public health.
The session witnessed enthusiastic participation and served as a platform to address myths, enhance awareness, and encourage responsible choices among young women.
Sustainability and Menstrual Responsibility
The Chief Guest, Dr. Suma Ballal, Deputy Director & SDG Coordinator at NITTE (Deemed to be University), emphasized the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their connection to menstrual health.
She highlighted how menstrual hygiene is not merely a personal matter but also a social and environmental responsibility. Drawing attention to sustainable consumption patterns, she encouraged menstruating women to consciously evaluate their menstrual products and consider shifting to eco-friendly alternatives such as menstrual cups.
Her address beautifully connected:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
She stressed that when women adopt sustainable menstrual products, they contribute not only to their own health but also to environmental conservation and waste reduction.
Education and Health of the Girl Child
The Principal, Dr. Marina Koland, reinforced the importance of educating and empowering the girl child. She underlined that access to correct menstrual knowledge is fundamental to ensuring dignity, confidence, and uninterrupted education for girls.
Her message was clear: when girls are educated about their bodies and provided with safe menstrual options, they are better equipped to pursue their academic and personal goals without hesitation or stigma.
Scientific Understanding of the Female Reproductive System

Adding clinical depth to the session, Dr. Naya Bhat, MS (Gyn), delivered an insightful
presentation on the female reproductive system and menstrual health.
She explained:
The physiology of the menstrual cycle
Hormonal changes during menstruation
Common menstrual concerns
The importance of hygiene practices
Her scientific and structured approach helped students understand menstruation as a natural biological process rather than a subject surrounded by myths or embarrassment.

Hidden Chemicals in Sanitary Pads &Tampon; The Case for Sustainable Alternatives
Mr. Anil Kumar presented a thought-provoking session on the chemicals commonly found in conventional sanitary pads. He elaborated on:
The presence of synthetic materials and fragrances
Environmental burden caused by non-biodegradable waste
Long-term health considerations
He compared these factors with the benefits of menstrual cups, highlighting:
Sustainability: A single cup can last up to 5–10 years, drastically reducing menstrual
waste
Health: Made from high-grade medical silicone, free from harmful chemicals
Economical Advantage: A one-time investment compared to recurring monthly pad
expenses
His session provided students with a practical cost-benefit and sustainability perspective.
Demonstration and Practical Guidance
A key highlight of the seminar was the live demonstration conducted by Ms. Aiswarya. she carefully explained:
Folding techniques
Correct insertion methods
Removal techniques
Cleaning and sterilization practices
She also addressed students’ queries in a clear and respectful manner, helping remove hesitation and building confidence around menstrual cup usage.
A Step Towards Informed and Sustainable Choices
The seminar, conducted in the spirit of National Girl Child Day, served as a powerful reminder that menstrual health education is a cornerstone of women’s empowerment.
By integrating medical science, sustainability principles, and practical demonstrations, the event successfully encouraged students to:
Make informed menstrual choices
Break myths and taboos
Consider environmentally responsible alternatives
View menstrual health as a part of holistic well-being

The overwhelming engagement and positive response from participants reaffirmed the need for continued awareness program and advanced discussions on topics such as PCOS, PCOD,Perimenopause, Menopause, and Mental health.
Menstrual health is not just about hygiene — it is about dignity, sustainability, education, and empowerment.
On National Girl Child Day, the message was clear:
When we educate a girl about her health, we empower a generation.

Conclusion
The feedback clearly demonstrates that the seminar was impactful, informative, and
transformative. With 100% of participants feeling more informed and nearly all expressing interest in menstrual cups, the session successfully bridged awareness gaps and encouraged sustainable menstrual practices.
The event reaffirmed that menstrual education, when delivered scientifically and inclusively, empowers individuals, reduces stigma, and aligns health choices with sustainability goals.

On National Girl Child Day, the seminar stood as a reminder that empowering girls with knowledge today shapes a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow.