The Dimapur District Administration in collaboration with Community Health Initiative (CHI) organised a launching ceremony of the “Menstrual Hygiene Management Programme in Govt Schools and Colleges of Dimapur” at Dimapur Govt College. The programme included the inauguration of a sanitary pad vending machine and incinerator at the College by the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Shri Anoop Kinchi, IAS who had donated the same.

The programme was chaired by Meripeni Ngully, Associate Professor,DGC.
Dr Moanochet Longchar, Principal, DGC, delivered the welcome note and expressed gratitude to the District Administration and CHI for their initiative and generosity.

Dr Rhondemo Kikon from CHI spoke on the various challenges of health in Nagaland due to geographical isolation, poor infrastructure, lack of skilled healthcare workers etc.

Loreni Sophia, Director of CHI spoke on the menstrual hygiene management programme. She stated that though menstruation is a natural process, women continue to be oppressed by myths and stigma and therefore making female hygiene products accessible in educational institutions is a step towards breaking the taboo associated with it.

The Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Shri Anoop Kinchi, IAS, in his speech highlighted the need for discussion and action on this very important issue and reiterated the doing away with taboos and squeamishness about discussing a process which is natural.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Moamongla Aier, Asst Professor DGC. The programme was attended by teachers of various schools, CHI members, HODs and IQAC members of DGC.