Singapengal- Menstrual Awareness Event

Singapengal- a drive on women’s menstruation cycle that confers from Hush-Hush status society.

Approximately 90% of countries still have at least one law that discriminates against women. Although a period is a perfectly natural and healthy function of the human body, many people feel embarrassed or ashamed when talking about the menstrual cycle, and a lot of people prefer not to talk about it at all. Talking about something helps to normalize it. Conversations around periods need to be normalized so that people can be open and honest about what happens when they have their period and how it affects them. People should feel free to ask questions, discuss, and compare symptoms. The more we talk about it, the easier it will be.

From protection to disinfection, nearly everything is easily forgotten when it comes to menstrual hygiene. However, with changing times more consciousness around menstrual health and menstrual issues and hygiene is spreading. Very gradually, change can be seen. One such effort is the ‘SINGAPENGAL’ for women, made by Food for All Chennai in association with Uligin Vidiyal foundation.

The drive is to spread awareness among women’s residing in the Chitlapakam area to create impact on both gender quality and menstrual cycle. The event was honored by Madhumita Gomathinayagam India’s First Transgender HR Professional, holding 16+postGraduation in various subjects and many Professional Certification, Possess 15+ Years of Experience in HR is currently working as HR Manager in Avacend Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.

‘’This is the world of gender equality when it comes to opportunities, priorities and choices. However, the fun fact is that equality cannot be observed when it comes to nutrition. Women must tackle a lot more responsibilities and natural body changes throughout their lifespan. For instance, they lose almost 1 mg iron per day during their menstruation flow. They undergo phases of menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. These different phases of life demand extra energy and micro nutrients compared to men of the same age.

However, how many of the women really understand this extra need of nutrition and can ensure proper supply through a proper diet. Owing to the increased toll of household responsibilities, family priorities and career aspirations, their personal nutrient needs take a backseat’’ said, Madhumita who briefly explained about the menstrual cycle to the audience.

Women’s health is men’s cause too

“Periods or menstruation is not just a women-specific issue…We say that both men and women are equal and we are coexist but what aren’t we verbalizing about women’s health and hygiene as well? When women can take care of us so well why should we hesitate and hygiene as well? When women can take care of us so well why should we hesitate to verbalize about their health? These are the few questions which I always ask the men and most of them concur with me and would relish to be a component of the drive to know what the quandaries women could face during her menstruation’. Said, Louis Founder FFAC.

The event ends with giveaway of free napkin for the women participated in the event.