After a dozen pro bono live and interactive workshops a glimpse into my first VIRTUAL menstrual Hygiene workshop with 30 MCD aided & Govt school teachers of SSMI. Arguably the only one in the world- I can reasonably draw the conclusion given the lackof conversations otherwise around menstruation.
The post-COVID 19 world has been one of retaining and redesigning the world as we knew it. Digital and virtual have become the keywords with work from home taking precedence like never before. So has also been with the case for the #LetsTalkPeriod menstrual hygiene workshop that took its first step towards going virtual.
It also was an opportunity to upgrade our skills and I personally utilized the opportunity to take a Harvard X course of 8 weeks Titled ‘Hinduism through its scriptures’. While the subject was of interest to me given my enthusiasm for the ancient wisdom of the subcontinent, it also exposed me to the techniques of pedagogy from the best in the world of education!
While designing the digital session on #LetsTalkPeriod I drew from the style of teaching online that Harvard engages in as well as dug deeper into the ancient wisdom and menstruation. The result was a digital session with 3 main parts. Namely
Menstruation & Ancient Wisdom: Drawing from references from the past
Myths vs Fact: Delineating physiological Facts, cycle, and addressing negative associations or mindsets.
Sustainable Solutions: Creating awareness about the solutions commonly available and sustainability
The session addressing SDG 3, 10 & 11 was conducted for 30 teachers of SSMI a Government and MCD aided school. It was highly interactive given the originally planned session for 2 hours overshot and we spent over 4 hours through the session. I had also given an assignment of creating an artwork that weaves the 7 notes of music with the essentials on menstruation for easier understanding and absorption of the concepts shared. The winner got a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup as a prize for the same.
Here are some of the reviews from the session attendees.
It should be held regularly ‘It’s important to make both genders aware of the science behind menstruation. It is equally important for boys, to help remove all taboos or preconceived notions about periods. They should understand that its a part of a woman’s life and absolutely normal. ‘
Very informative ‘There is a lot of misconception about the menstrual cycle, but after this session, all are removed. Before this, I had too many ifs and buts but now, I am very much clear. Such an informative and Wonderful session it was.’
Platform to speak openly ‘It’s an awesome session. Thank you ma’am for giving a platform where we can speak about menstrual issues openly and unhesitantly. Your effort will change many more generations. As a teacher, we must talk about this issue and change the mindsets of people.’
Everybody bleeds so #LetsTalkPeriod
