Naz India Goal and reproductive health

More about Naz India Goal and reproductive health

Intense changes, both physical and hormonal, happen in the lives of adolescent girls. There is limited access to information and there are restrictions on what they can do, what to wear etc. Girls and women’s social participation is restricted during menstruation. They are not allowed in temples, can’t go into a kitchen, and can’t cook meals. Comfort with the body and menstrual hygiene are critical elements of the Goal Programme. Goal addresses body image, self esteem related to bodily changes and menstruation using interactive sessions with attractive materials (an apron with the female genitals), video, storytelling and role play to explain the facts and discuss the myths round menstruation. Playing netball makes girls feel better about themselves and more comfortable with their bodies. Female coaches are role models who do netball coaching during their periods. They show that ‘It’s ok to play when you have your period’. The habit of playing sport, information and open discussions in a safe environment break the myths round menstruation in the girls’ lives but often also in their sisters’ and mothers’ lives.