Report on Observation of International Gynecological Day 2026

Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, in collaboration with Rotary Samudaya Aisiri, organized a program on “Bloom with Confidence – Understanding Menstrual Health & Hygiene” on 18th September 2026 at Government Higher Primary School, 80 Badagabettu, Udupi, Karnataka, for students of Classes V to VII. Dr. Pratibha Kamath, Assistant Professor (Sr. Scale), Department of Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, MCON, MAHE, served as the resource person and conducted an interactive session on menstrual health and hygiene. The session focused on understanding menstruation, maintaining menstrual hygiene, addressing common concerns, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and encouraging open and positive conversations about menstruation. Dr. Pratibha explained menstruation as a normal physiological process and highlighted essential menstrual hygiene practices, appropriate disposal of menstrual absorbents, and the importance of seeking guidance for menstrual concerns. She also emphasized the role of boys in promoting understanding, support, and a stigma-free environment.

 Mr. Suresh K., Headmaster of the school, was the Chief Guest, while Mr. Raghavendra Balegar, SDMC President, and Rotarian Sukesh Kunder, RCC Aisiri Coordinator, were present. Mrs. Lakshmi Naik, President, Rotary Samudaya Aisiri, welcomed the gathering; Mrs. Vinanti, RCC Aisiri member, led the prayer; Rotarian Prabhakar Shetty, Coordinator, Rotary Aisiri, compered the program, and Mrs. Sharada, Secretary, Rotary Samudaya Aisiri, proposed the vote of thanks.

Approximately 80 participants, including boys and girls, parents, teachers, school staff, and members of Rotary/RCC Aisiri, participated in the program. The interactive session encouraged the children to ask questions and develop a healthy and confident understanding of menstrual health, while emphasizing the importance of support, dignity, and a stigma-free environment. The session was conducted using simple, age-appropriate explanations and interactive discussion, enabling students to clarify their doubts and participate actively.

 At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Pratibha Kamath distributed sweets to the children as a gesture of appreciation for their enthusiastic participation. The program contributed to community-based health promotion and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, and SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, by promoting menstrual health education, gender-sensitive awareness, dignity, and appropriate hygiene practices among school children.