Building local women leaders to improve menstrual health, dignity, and well-being in remote forest villages

KHOJ Samiti successfully facilitated a two-day Menstrual Health Management (MHM) Training Programme on 28–29 May 2026 in Mainpur Block of Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. The initiative brought together 35 women representatives from 35 villages across the Udanti–Sitanadi landscape, including the remote forest villages of Kulhadighat and surrounding communities.

The training aimed to strengthen knowledge and awareness on menstrual health and hygiene, nutrition, anaemia prevention, reproductive health, and menstrual dignity among women and adolescent girls living in forest-dependent communities. In many remote villages, limited access to accurate information and persistent social taboos continue to affect women's health and well-being. The programme sought to address these challenges by building a network of informed local women leaders.

At the conclusion of the training, all participants were certified as "Period Sakhis" (Menstrual Health Champions). As trusted community resource persons, these women will now lead awareness sessions in their villages, schools, and community institutions. They will play a vital role in promoting safe menstrual health practices, challenging myths and stigma, encouraging open conversations, and ensuring that women and adolescent girls have access to reliable health information and support.

KHOJ Samiti played a key role in identifying and mobilizing women leaders from remote forest villages, ensuring their participation, and strengthening community ownership of the initiative. By investing in local leadership, the programme has created a sustainable model where knowledge is shared within communities by women who understand the local context, culture, and challenges.

The training programme was organized by the Udanti–Sitanadi Tiger Reserve and the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, with support from the Earth Breeding Foundation and technical assistance from Astitva Eco Ventures LLP, New Delhi.

The valedictory session was graced by Mr. B. S. Uikey, District Collector, Gariaband, Mr. Varun Jain, Deputy Director, Udanti–Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, and Mr. Vedvrat Sirmaur, Superintendent of Police, Gariaband. The dignitaries appreciated the commitment and enthusiasm of the participants and presented certificates to the newly trained Period Sakhis. They emphasized that menstrual health is not only a public health issue but also a matter of gender equality, dignity, and women's empowerment.

This initiative marks an important step toward improving the health and well-being of women in remote forest landscapes. By empowering local women as menstrual health champions, KHOJ Samiti is helping create informed, confident, and resilient communities where every woman and adolescent girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity, access accurate information, and live free from stigma.