BIRGUNJ, April 9: "As we all will be talking about sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene now, those males who feel uncomfortable can leave while others please listen carefully," requested social activist Shaili Chaudhary while speaking in front of the victims of the first ever tornado in Bharwaliya of Bara on Sunday.  The deadly calamity destroyed more than 200 houses in Bharwaliya alone.

She was seen advising the female victims about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene during periods. A dozen women from Birgunj reached Bara on Sunday carrying bags full of various materials required for the female victims. Before handing over the bags to the victims, those activists decided to gather the women in a particular place and make them aware about various health habits.

"Usually women in rural parts use clothes during period which is not that safe. I do not think you all have any piece of cloth left due to the windstorm anyway," said Chaudhary, adding, "We must be more cautious regarding our health during these situations as we are more likely to get infected with various diseases." She advised all women to use sanitary pads instead of cloths.

Other members of the group Kabita Khadka, Laxmi Kharel among others taught the women how to wear the pads. The bag consisted of 15 essential items for women.  After finding about the misery of female victims, women affiliated to various social organizations formed 'Women for women'. 

The newly formed group has launched 'One home one bag' campaign for the tornado victims of Bara and Parsa. Apart from three packets of sanitary pads, each bag also contains 48 packets of shampoos, a comb, six underwear garments, a packet of hair band, three soaps for bathing and three for washing clothes, a bottle of hair oil, six tooth brush, 1 toothpaste, a torch light, two mosquito nets, nail cutter and a  large bag.  So far, the group has prepared 500 such bags and is planning to distribute to the victims in both districts.

"Women need special care and attention when it comes to health but no one cared about that till now.  In fact, we ourselves did not take our health seriously," said local Pravabati Devi after accepting her bag, adding, "This has elated us." A large number of women associated with various organizations and media in Birgunj ahave joined this campaign.

 
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