We The Change (WTC) India in collaboration with the Miraculum Society of Nagaland organised a three-day training programme, Menstrual Health, Hygiene and Waste Management, in Noklak District. Held from 6 to 8 September, the attendants were students of St Paul School, Holy Angel School, Christian High School, Government School Noklak Village, High School Noklak and the community of Pangsha Village.

During the programme, menstrual hygiene kits and Menstrupedia Mini Comic Books were distributed to the participants, and training on Menstrual Hygiene Management training was also provided. Overall, there were 426 participants of the programme.

The organisers informed that We The Change and the Miraculum Society Nagaland are both women-led, not for profit initiatives.

Farheen Naaz, the founder of We The Change, said they are supported by Purani Dilli Walon ki Baateinm established in 2020 and works towards breaking stereotypes around menstruation. The initiative supports five verticals: Menstrual Health Hygiene Awareness Programme, Women Entrepreneurship Programme, Youth Leadership Programme, Trans for Nation and Concept of Consent.

Naaz added that in addition to working locally, WTC has expanded to 11 States across India.

“We identify locations that are in need of menstrual awareness and menstrual products. A training session followed by distribution of menstrual hygiene kits and Menstrupedia Mini Comic Books is then conducted at these locations,” she said.

Naaz added that with Noklak being one of the youngest districts located in the Indo-Myanmar border and the areas around this region having little to no access to menstrual hygiene management, this drive aims to help educate and create awareness about menstrual health, hygiene and waste management in the area. She said they also plan to work with the sanitation workers and help set up red dustbins that can be especially used for menstrual waste in the area. The aim of these drives is to not just provide menstrual supplies but also create trainers who can join the team and help create awareness within their regions at a more molecular level.

Naaz added that the ultimate goal is to reach people and places that have no access to menstrual education and ensure that they have access to basic menstrual necessities.

“We are striving to be change makers for a better future,” said Abu Sufiyan, the co- founder.

We The Change is rapidly growing across India and aims to expand globally.