Education, Equality, Empowerment play pivotal role in moving the country forward in every aspect

New Delhi, February 7: Sensitizing students about ‘menstrual hygiene’ Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar said "three components: Education, Equality and Empowerment: plays an important and pivotal role in moving the country forward in every aspect. Menstruation is a natural phenomenon and it is neither dirty, nor a taboo."

Miss World Manushi Chhillar’s project on menstrual hygiene was top chosen from 130 entries from over a hundred countries and launched from India by the Miss World Organisation under its programme for humanitarian causes.

On Tuesday Miss World Manushi Chhillar was interacting with girls of schools run by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) under the "Menstrual Hygiene Management Curriculum".

Interacting with girls Manushi said that "It is not a matter of shame for any individual, family and society. There is a need to talk about it openly in a bid to maintain a hygienic and healthy life."

Advocating the use of eco-friendly sanitary napkin pads, Manushi said: "One should use the jute sanitary pads as these are more natural, made of fibre and easily available in India and other parts of the world. It is the need of the hour to spread the word and there is a need for change in the mindset of society with respect to the girl child."

She also educated them about the dos and don'ts of using sanitary pads and urged them to discuss menstruation with their family members without any hesitation.

She said she had realized from her own experience that not all have the privilege of progressive parents and a good education which makes access to feminine hygiene all the more difficult.

Recalling her days in Sonipat while studying for her medical degree she realized that "it was not just a lack of awareness; they (the girls) didn't have any shops near their village and had to travel long distances to get sanitary pads. Many felt uncomfortable going to medical shops that were largely run by men."

That's why she adopted the issue for her project under Miss World Organization’s Beauty with Purpose. In her endeavour, she was accompanied to India by the charity's founder, Julia Morley, and Miss World colleagues from across the globe, representing Oceania, Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, Caribbean and her predecessor, Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle.