Gangtok:19th Aug: At Assam Lingzey Government Senior Secondary School, a meaningful step towards dignity, menstrual hygiene, and girls’ empowerment was taken with the inauguration of a dedicated Girls’ Changing Room.
The facility was inaugurated by N.B Subba, Joint Director, Namchenong Block, Pakyong District Education Department, and Samir Kumar, CSR, Alkem Foundation, in the presence of Dr. Keshav Gautam, Head Master, Rupak Roy Choudhury Chief Coordinator Sulabh Sanitation Club,New Delhi , school representatives, teachers and sanitation club members.
The initiative is part of the Alkem–Sulabh Sanitation Club’s year-long journey, in association with the Education Department, to reimagine and redesign school changing spaces through the needs and experiences of adolescent girls.
The initiative aims to create a safe, private and supportive environment where girls can manage their menstruation with dignity, confidence and comfort, helping break the silence, stigma and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
Mr. Subba expressed his gratitude for the support from Alkem Foundation and Sulabh Sanitation Club -a wing SISASSS, New Delhi and also highlighted their ongoing efforts towards promoting girls’ hygiene and wellbeing.
For Pratima, a student of the School, the initiative represents a shift from silence and stigma towards confidence and openness. The awareness and training provided through the Alkem–Sulabh Sanitation Club helped students understand that menstruation is a natural process that should be approached with knowledge, care and dignity. Mrs. Samikshya Das Mohapatra, Counsellor Sulabh Sanitation Club thanked all the students and club members for taking the responsibility of maintaining these facilities in the school.
But the journey does not end with menstrual hygiene.
From menstrual dignity to holistic wellness, the message is clear:
When we create safe spaces for girls, we create pathways to confidence, education and a healthier future.
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