Kashmiri teacher fights period stigma, one village at a time

Aasima Jan, a teacher in north Kashmir, has launched a grassroots campaign to tackle menstrual health stigma affecting girls' school attendance. Witnessing firsthand how cultural taboos around menstruation keep female students away from classrooms, she began conducting monthly awareness sessions in villages.

During these sessions, Aasima educates families about menstrual hygiene and encourages open dialogue on the subject. She also distributes sanitary pads, emphasizing their role in health and hygiene. Her efforts aim to normalize discussions around menstruation and enable girls to remain engaged in their education.