‘Swachh Garima' drive to empower KGBV girls
Lucknow: The state govt launched a 'Swachh Garima' campaign to ensure dignity, self-respect and health for girls studying in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV), a residential set-up for disadvantaged sections.
Under this initiative, adolescent girls across all KGBVs will, in a phased manner, receive scientific and practical training on menstrual hygiene, nutrition and their right to communication.
Officials at the basic education department said the idea is to eliminate the stigma around natural biological processes and empower girls to live with self-respect and confidence.
Basic education minister Sandeep Singh said, "Our goal is not just to help them achieve their dreams but also to dispel myths and social taboos related to health.
Through this confluence of dialogue and sensitivity, the girls will lead a life of dignity and remain healthy."
Under the campaign, the department initiated 'Sankoch Nahi Samvad Zaruri', an effort to change social mindset. This, said a govt spokesperson, is in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision to empower women, which needs a strong change in societal attitudes and behaviour. The effort will teach girls that menstruation is not a matter of embarrassment, but a natural bodily function that should be managed hygienically.
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Supported by Unicef, teachers will play a key role in its implementation. The department prepared a special training module in collaboration with Unicef for teachers. The module consists of simple language and visual material to educate students. Not only the girls, but also female teachers—and eventually even parents—will participate in this initiative. Teachers are being trained to discuss these topics with students openly and without hesitation.
The 'Swachh Garima' campaign will impart practical life skills and moral strength to girls. "This is a powerful extension of the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, and a decisive step towards making young girls healthy, aware, and confident," said an official.
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