Let us eradicate misconceptions over menstruation to ensure women rights

Our society is still mired in silence, shame, and misconceptions over an issue like menstruation. Raising awareness about the issue is very important, because women and girls are facing sufferings due to negative attitude to the issue.    

The Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), the Local Government Division, and UNICEF came forward to address the issue.

On the occasion of International Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, DPHE, the Local Government Division, and UNICEF jointly organized a unique story-writing initiative to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene.

The primary objective of this initiative was to break the stigma, misconceptions, and social taboos surrounding menstruation while promoting a healthy, informed, and compassionate perspective on this natural biological process.

As part of this initiative, nearly 700 stories were submitted from across the country. From this remarkable collection, only five writers were selected and honored for their creativity, social relevance, and impact of their stories.

The five writers were given awards (citation and crest) at an event at the auditorium of Department of Public Health Engineering at Kakrail in the capital recently.

The event was held under the auspices of the Local Government Division and in collaboration with UNICEF Bangladesh.

Md. Shahidul Hassan, Secretary, Local Government Division, attended the programme as the chief guest, while it was presided over by Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Additional Secretary (Water Supply Wing), Local Government Division and Chairperson, National Menstrual Hygiene Management Coordination Committee.

Mohammad Saiful Islam Mazomder, Joint Secretary, Policy Support Branch, Local Government Division, among others, spoke on the occasion. 

Nandini Luiza, a poet and social worker, is one of the five award recipients.

The event was much more than an award ceremony; it was a meaningful platform for awareness and dialogue.

Addressing the event, the speakers emphasized the importance of breaking the silence, shame, and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.

During the programme, the award recipients shared their thoughts, encouraging everyone to recognize menstruation as a natural biological process and highlighting the need to foster a more positive, informed, and empathetic attitude within society.