“Let’s Talk Periods” at World Skill Center InspiresYouth-Led Conversations for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld
On the eve of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, IFI Foundation organised a youth-focused public health outreach programme titled “Let’s Talk Periods” at the campus of World Skill Center, bringing together students, educators, health experts, and social advocates to promote informed conversations around menstrual health and hygiene.
Organised in collaboration with World Skill Center (WSC) as Academic Partner, the programme was part of IFI Foundation’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive and period-friendly society through awareness, dialogue, and youth engagement. IFI Foundation hosted the initiative with support from Swasthya Plus Network and OdishaLIVE as Outreach Partners, aml Communications as Communication Partner, and the Odisha Menstrual Health& Hygiene Alliance as Ecosystem Partner.
Creating Safe Spaces for Menstrual Health Conversations
The programme reflected IFI Foundation’s continued commitment to normalising conversations around menstruation and addressing the stigma, misinformation, and silence that still surround menstrual health in many communities.
Hundreds of students from different departments of the institution actively participated in the event alongside faculty members and trainers. Through expert discussions, awareness session, audio-visualpresentations, and interactive engagement, the programme encouraged young people to view menstruation through the lens of health, dignity, equality, and inclusion.
Addressing the gathering, Pinaki Patnaik, Add'l Secretary, SD & TE Dept, Odisha, and Chief Operating Officer of WSC, highlighted that menstruation is a natural biological process, yet social stigma and misinformation continue to affect women’s dignity, health, and opportunities. He stressed the importance of awareness and education in building a more informed and compassionate society.
The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Subhanga Kishore Das, Principal, WSC who emphasised the importance of period education for girls from an early age. He noted that families, communities, and educational institutions all have a vital role to play in preparing girls for safe, dignified, and sustainable menstrual health and hygiene management.
While appreciating the initiative, Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, CEO, WSC; shared a message in absentia, which was read out during the programme. He appreciated the efforts of World Skill Center and IFI Foundation for organising the programme and highlighted the importance of menstrual health and hygiene awareness in society. Noting that taboos and misinformation around menstruation still persist, he stressed the need for greater awareness and sensitisation. He also mentioned WSC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen hygiene infrastructure on campus and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting meaningful social awareness initiatives in the future.
Expert Insights on Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Chinmayee Kar attended the programme as the technical speaker and led an engaging session on menstrual hygiene, scientific understanding of menstruation, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and the need to eliminate myths associated with periods.
An interactive Q&A session allowed students to openly discuss their questions and concerns related to menstrual health and hygiene practices. The session encouraged meaningful participation and reflected the growing willingness among young people to engage in informed and stigma-freedialogue.
As part of the programme, IFI Foundation also unveiled a special informational brochure and screened a thematic audio-visual awareness capsule focused on menstruation, hygiene management, and common menstrual health concerns.
Building a #PeriodFriendlyWorld Through Collective Action
Speaking at the programme, Pranati Parida emphasised that menstruation should never become a barrier to a girl’s or woman’s education, aspirations, confidence, or success.
Highlighting the scale of the issue globally, she noted that over 1.8 billion women menstruate every month, and on average, women spend nearly seven years of their lives menstruating. She reiterated that the campaign’s larger mission is to ensure dignity, safety, confidence, equal opportunity, and informed healthcare access for every girl and woman.
The programme also witnessed the presence of Nilambar Rath,Co-Chair, IFI Foundation, along with senior officials of the institution. The vote of thanks was delivered by Sailesh Mishra, Deputy Director, Administration, WSC.
The event was anchored by Priyanka Sucharita, while Smruti Rekha Barik, Sitansu Sekhar Sutar, and Sushree Smita Behera coordinated the programme proceedings.
IFI Foundation’s Ongoing Menstrual Health Advocacy
IFI Foundation is an ‘Official Partner’ of Global Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign. Over the past four years, the foundation has been consistently advancing large-scale advocacy and public awareness initiatives focused on menstrual health, menstrual dignity, and inclusive public dialogue.
As part of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 observances, the Foundation has also launched a five-day multilingual digital awareness campaign in 14 languages to encourage scientific awareness, informed conversations, collective responsibility, and community action around menstrual health and hygiene.
Through initiatives such as “Let’s Talk Periods,” IFI Foundation continues to strengthen youth participation and community engagement in creating a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive society where menstruation is treated with dignity, respect, and openness.
