Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network -Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 20: 'Evolve', a women's entrepreneur association on Sunday, March 20 organized a Walkathon with the slogan "Walk for Menstrual Health" #LetsTalkPeriod.
The walkathon was flagged off by International athlete, National gold medal winner and Abakka awardee Shreema Priyadarshini from the Bharath Mall premises. As many as over 250 participants participated in the walk starting from Bharath Mall-Ballalbagh-M G Road-P V S-Bunts Hostel-P V S-M G Road-Ballal Bagh and culminated at the premises of Bharath Mall.
As many as 23 differently abled-kids from Lion's Special School Surathkal took part in the walkathon.
Speaking on the occasion, Shreema Priyadarshini said, "A few years ago, I was given a project to distribute sanitary pads to girls in a government school in a rural area. To my surprise, the girls were knowing the word 'pad' but they were still using the cloth. Then I had to explain to them about sanitary pads, it's uses, and how to use it. They were feeling very shy and it was like a big thing for them to know what a pad is. I hope 'Evolve' will come up with programmes even in rural areas in their next project. And I am looking forward to work with them as well."
She also lauded women for coming forward and taking part in the cause, even amid their busy schedules. She also said that women should reserve some time in a day for themselves for physical fitness.
Dr Deepak Shedde, MBBS, MD-Obstetrics and Gynaecology said, "Always talks on menstruation are whispered. I should thank the team Evolve for organising such a programme on menstrual health which should be openly talked about and not whispered. As we don't talk openly, the misconceptions, misunderstandings, myths and falsehood start propagating. For ages, people have been carrying a negative impression about menstruation or periods.
He also said that even in the modern days, there is a misconception about periods in society. Later, he also scientifically explained the menstrual cycle in women.
On the occasion, prizes were distributed for the winners of various competitions.
President of Evolve Divya D'Souza, vice-president Vathika Pai, secretary for celebrations Raksha Bhat, joint secretary Jayashri Rathihalli, treasurer Nandita Aroor, office bearers of Evolve Mariam Moideen, Amrutha Nayak, Vaishnavi Pandit, Sushma Rao and others were present.