Advancing Health Education and MHM Support for Adolescent Girls through the SMILE Initiative

A study conducted by IRC and BRAC (2021) reported that, among adolescent girls in a rural area in Bangladesh, nearly 69% used unhygienic clothes or even no protection during menstruation. Furthermore, the knowledge of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among Bangladeshi adolescent girls is limited and more education on MHM is needed to increase awareness of the menstrual cycle and reduce absenteeism from school during menstruation, especially in rural areas.

Against this backdrop, the SMILE project, funded by Chevron Bangladesh, and implemented by Swisscontact Bangladesh, organized a health awareness campaign moderated by Women’s Employee Network (a concern of Chevron) at Nadampur High School, Nabiganj of Habiganj Upazila. The “Awareness Campaign of Safe Hygiene Practices among Adolescent Girls” event aimed at promoting safe hygiene practices among girls in grades IX and X. The event brought together almost 400 enthusiastic students from four schools (Nadampur High School, Inathganj High School, Dighalbagh High School and College and Mostafapur Anuwarul Ulum Madrasah), along with local government representatives, local leaders, educators, and health professionals to show support and empower young girls with essential knowledge and skills for maintaining their well-being.

The campaign was graced by Sir Amatul Kibria Keya Chowdhury, Honorable Member of Parliament (MP), Habiganj-1, Government of Bangladesh as the chief guest, who underscored the importance of fostering a culture of hygiene and self-care among adolescent girls. 

Other significant special guests included Anupam Das Anup, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Nabiganj, Noman Hossain, Union Parishad Chairman, Inathganj Union, Hasan Imam, Manager, Field Corporate Affairs, Chevron Bangladesh, Mujibul Hasan Cezanne, Country Director, Swisscontact Bangladesh, Tanisha Sadeque Tiasha, Chapter Leader, Women’s Employee Network, Dr. Zeenat Mushtary, Upazila Health Officer, Nabiganj Upazila Health Complex among many notable figures.

During the first phase of the event, guests delivered insightful speeches emphasizing the significance of safe hygiene practices in preventing diseases and promoting overall health. The second phase of the session was designated exclusively for female students, with participation from female doctors and nutrition specialists, creating a comfortable setting to discuss relevant MHM areas. Topics covered during these sessions included proper handwashing techniques, menstrual hygiene management, and sanitation practices which were designed to engage and educate the students.

The SMILE team's pre-post evaluation found that participants' knowledge and awareness of safe hygiene practices had significantly improved. The post-evaluation results showed that, after the session, students' general understanding of hygiene-related topics increased dramatically from 35% to 83% when compared to the baseline. Following the workshop, an average of over 60% of the girls demonstrated an improved grasp of menstrual hygiene, cleanliness, and other related topics.

Furthermore, 96% of the respondents agreed that washing hands after washroom use and before food consumption is important. All the participants agreed that not maintaining cleanliness during menstruation may result in reproductive or urinary tract infections, exhibiting their existing understanding of hygiene and cleanliness. These findings highlighted the impact and success of the SMILE project's initiatives in promoting health education among girls and the critical role hygiene plays in overall well-being.

One of the highlights of the event was the distribution of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) kits among the participants. These kits, containing essential items such as 24 pcs of sanitary pads, hygiene wipes, and sanitizer, will enable the girls to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively, ensuring their health and well-being.

In addition to the distribution of MHM kits, the campaign featured one-on-one consultation booths with healthcare professionals. This provided participants with a unique opportunity to seek expert advice privately and address any concerns they may have had regarding their health and hygiene practices.

The successful implementation of this campaign marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote health and well-being in the Sylhet community. Through education and empowerment, the SMILE project plans to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adolescents, fostering a brighter and healthier tomorrow.