DEEP Trust Summer Camp Spreads Awareness on Women’s Health on World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Date: 28th May 2025
Location: Rainbow Homes, Mudfort, Gunfoundry, Secunderabad
Organized by: DEEP Trust
Presented by: Dr. Arya Yashshree (Volunteer)
Promoting Menstrual Hygiene and Women’s Health Through Education
On World Menstrual Hygiene Day, DEEP Trust hosted a meaningful women’s health awareness camp at Rainbow Homes in Mudfort, Secunderabad. Held on 28th May 2025, this event was part of DEEP Trust’s ongoing commitment to promoting health, dignity, and education among underserved communities.
Volunteer Dr. Arya Yashshree led the session, engaging young girls in an open conversation about menstrual hygiene, personal care, nutrition, and emotional wellness.
The goal was to provide practical health knowledge in a warm, open environment, where the girls and women could ask questions and build confidence in caring for themselves during menstruation and after menopause. You can read more about our health efforts here: Mobile Health & Health Screenings in Hyderabad
Talking About Menstrual Health in a Comfortable Way
Periods are a part of growing up, yet many girls feel unsure or even scared about the changes they experience. At the camp, Dr. Arya explained the menstrual cycle in simple words—how it works, what changes to expect, and how to manage it without stress or shame and tips to overcome social stigma.
The focus was on making health education feel normal, not scary, especially for girls who might not have had the chance to ask these questions at home.
Easy Tips for Menstrual Hygiene
One of the most important parts of the camp was teaching easy and safe hygiene practices during menstruation. Dr. Arya guided the girls through:
- How to use and change sanitary pads
- The importance of handwashing
- Why pads should be changed every 4–6 hours
- Proper disposal methods
- When to talk to a doctor if there’s discomfort
These basic practices help prevent infections and promote daily comfort and confidence.
Busting Common Myths Around Periods
There are still many misunderstandings about menstruation that can make girls feel uncomfortable or isolated. The camp helped clear up common myths, such as:
- You can’t bathe during your period
- Menstruation is dirty or shameful
Instead, the message was: menstruation is natural, and girls should feel free to talk about it.
| Myth | Fact |
| You should not take a bath during your period | Bathing keeps you clean and may help reduce cramps. |
| Menstruation is dirty or something to hide | Periods are a natural part of life and nothing to be ashamed of. |
| Girls should not go to school during periods | Girls can go to school and do normal activities during their periods. |
| Talking about periods is not okay | It’s healthy and important to talk openly about periods and hygiene. |
| You can’t exercise during your period | Light movement or exercise can actually help reduce period pain. |
What Else Was Covered at the Camp?
Understanding Early Signs of Perimenopause
Though mostly affecting older women, this topic was introduced to help girls better support their family members.
- Identifying common symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods.
- Encouraging open conversations between girls and their mothers or female guardians.
- Understanding hormonal changes and how they affect women emotionally and physically.
- Normalizing menopause-related topics to reduce stigma and misinformation.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Girls learned simple, effective habits to avoid UTIs.
- Drink plenty of water daily to flush bacteria.
- Don’t hold in urine for long periods.
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
- Change out of wet clothing (e.g., swimsuits) quickly.
Breast Health and Awareness
- Early awareness can lead to lifelong health habits.
- How to perform basic breast self-checks.
- Recognizing warning signs like lumps or discharge.
- Understanding that changes during puberty are normal but should still be monitored.
- Encouraging regular check-ins with trusted adults or health professionals.
Understanding Menstrual Hygiene Products
- Education on available choices and their correct usage.
- Overview of pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear.
- How to safely use and change each product.
- Importance of choosing products based on comfort and lifestyle.
- Addressing myths and stigmas around menstruation.
Emotional Changes During Puberty
Helping girls understand and express their emotions.
- What mood swings are and why they happen.
- Building self-esteem and a positive body image.
- Tools for expressing feelings, like journaling or talking to a trusted person.
- Recognizing signs of stress or anxiety and knowing when to seek help.
The Importance of Sleep
Reinforcing the role of rest in overall development.
- Benefits of 8–10 hours of sleep for teens.
- Effects of sleep deprivation on mood, learning, and growth.
- Tips for better sleep: reducing screen time before bed, creating a bedtime routine.
- Understanding sleep as an essential part of self-care.
Physical Activity and Movement
- Keeping active in fun, engaging ways.
- Importance of daily movement for heart, bones, and mental health.
- Introduction to stretching, dancing, yoga, and group games.
- Encouraging girls to find physical activities they enjoy.
- Avoiding comparisons and focusing on personal fitness goals.
Digital Safety and Body Privacy
- Promoting awareness around personal safety online and offline.
- Understanding body boundaries and the right to say “no.”
- How to handle uncomfortable messages or photos online.
- Privacy settings and responsible social media use.
- Knowing when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.
Nutrition for Growing Bodies
- Building strong bodies through informed food choices.
- The importance of a balanced diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.
- Iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals, especially important for menstruating girls.
- The role of calcium and vitamin D in bone health.
- Tips on reading food labels and avoiding excessive junk food.
- Linking nutrition to energy, skin health, and concentration in school.
Encouraging Good Daily Habits
Dr. Arya also shared easy lifestyle tips to help girls feel healthy and happy every day:
- Get enough sleep
- Drink clean water
- Move or play outdoors
- Talk to an adult when something doesn’t feel right
These are small but powerful habits that support overall well-being.
Creating a Safe Space for Girls to Ask Questions
The most impactful part of the event was the sense of trust and openness. Many girls spoke freely, asked personal questions, and felt heard. Creating this kind of safe space for learning is a key mission for DEEP Trust.
If you’re inspired to help with programs like this, consider joining us as a volunteer. Learn how to become a volunteer with DEEP Trust
Strengthening Communities Through Shared Knowledge
This summer camp was more than just a health session—it was a moment of empowerment, a step toward dignity, and a celebration of knowledge. The girls walked away with not just new information but also a renewed sense of confidence.
This program is part of DEEP Trust’s broader mission to support women and children across Hyderabad with community-driven awareness, education, and care.
Join the Movement — Get Involved with DEEP Trust
If you believe in supporting young girls with the knowledge they need to lead healthy lives, you can be part of this journey. Here’s how:
🔸 Become a Volunteer – Share your time or skills with DEEP Trust
🔸 Support our Campaigns – Make a one-time or monthly donation
🔸 Explore Our Projects – Learn more about the communities we serve