ITANAGAR, Aug 28: The Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology (APSCS&T) organised a one-day workshop titled “Empowering Adolescent Girls through Science & Technology-Driven Menstrual Hygiene Management” at Calvary English School, Moinhappa, to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026.
The initiative combined scientific education, open dialogue and practical infrastructure support to break menstrual taboos and promote health, dignity and confidence among adolescent girls.
The programme began with a welcome address by APSCS&T Deputy Director Dr Pakgnu Lombi, who highlighted the importance of science & technology in promoting awareness and better personal health practices.
Education Officer Gem Peri conducted an interactive session on the biology of menstruation, covering menarche, ovulation, different stages of the menstrual cycle and essential hygiene practices. A visual animation was also screened to reinforce the lessons, dispel common myths and explain the science behind menstruation.
A key component of the workshop was a presentation by Yumbi Bijum Yomgam (SC-C) on the history and global significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day. She explained APSCS&T’s school-based intervention model and highlighted the practical facilities being provided to the school.
These included a Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine (SNVM) to ensure easy and timely access to sanitary products; a Sanitary Napkin Incinerator (SNI) for hygienic and environmentally responsible disposal of used napkins; and Dignity Kits containing multi-sized sanitary napkins, hand towels, innerwear and hand soap to promote preparedness, confidence and personal hygiene.
School Principal Nich Yania participated in the programme and expressed support for the initiative.
Yomgam also led the students in a pledge aimed at replacing myths with facts, silence with conversation, embarrassment with confidence and inconvenience with practical solutions.
The workshop included hands-on training, with Yomgam demonstrating the operation and refilling procedures of the sanitary napkin vending machine and the use of the incinerator. She was assisted by Tana Tuna, Mentor, and Kolie Yama, Nurse.
The programme concluded with the formal handover of the equipment and dignity kits to the school authorities. Delivering the vote of thanks, Vice Principal Likha Kaku expressed gratitude to APSCS&T for introducing practical solutions and providing scientific clarity on menstrual health and hygiene to the students.
The initiative underscored the importance of combining scientific awareness with accessible facilities to create a supportive and dignified environment for adolescent girls.