PAKYONG, May 27: In a significant step towards promoting inclusive education and menstrual hygiene management, the Sulabh Sanitation Club, with support from the Alkem Foundation under the Aagaz 3.0 Project, refurbished the girls’ toilet at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Rhenock, into a dedicated girls’ changing room.
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| Officials inaugurate a dedicated girls’ changing room at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Rhenock, under the Aagaz 3.0 Project aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene, safe sanitation, and inclusive education for girl students in Sikkim. (DIO Pakyong) |
The programme was held in the presence of Zilla Upadhyaksha of Pakyong, Mrs. Prabha Pradhan, as the chief guest. Also present were Mr. Suren Pradhan, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Rongli, school authorities, students, and representatives from Sulabh International and the Alkem Foundation.
The initiative aims to improve sanitation infrastructure for adolescent girls and create safer, hygienic, and gender-sensitive school environments. Organisers stated that proper sanitation facilities play a crucial role in ensuring regular attendance of girl students and reducing dropout rates, especially during menstruation.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Prabha Pradhan highlighted the importance of safe sanitation facilities in achieving gender equality in education. She said stronger collaboration between the education and sanitation sectors, along with durable and gender-sensitive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, would help Sikkim move closer towards achieving Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking during the programme, Mrs. Samikshya Das Mohapatra of Sulabh International highlighted the positive impact of improved WASH facilities in schools across Sikkim. She noted that the distribution of menstrual cups among schoolgirls would significantly contribute towards menstrual hygiene sustainability in the state.
“Improving WASH facilities has created clearly noticeable and positive changes for girls in Sikkim. The distribution of menstrual cups to girls will be a win-win situation in achieving menstrual product sustainability,” she said.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Rongli, Mr. Suren Pradhan, emphasized the importance of creating safe and private spaces for girls in schools. He stated that the newly established changing room would help girls feel more confident and comfortable during menstruation, enabling them to continue attending classes and actively participate in lessons.
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Principal of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Rhenock, Mr. Paul Lepcha, expressed gratitude to the Sulabh Sanitation Club for establishing the Health and Wellness Hub in the school. He said the facility would greatly benefit students and contribute to a healthier learning environment.
Mr. Samir Kumar of the Alkem Foundation reiterated the organisation’s commitment towards improving sanitation and hygiene standards in schools across Sikkim through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The programme also marked the observance of International Menstrual Hygiene Day, with Sulabh International and the Alkem Foundation reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that every girl has access to safe, dignified, and supportive school environments.
