Punjab,_India launches menstrual health curriculum

The India — Punjab, India>>> government launched one of India's largest school-based menstrual health education initiatives for adolescent girls. This program, called the 'Menstrual Hygiene Curriculum,' will be expanded across government high and senior secondary schools in all 23 districts, benefiting over 3.4 lakh girl students from Classes VI to X in more than 3,600 schools. The initiative, launched on Menstrual Hygiene Day, aims to address social stigma, myths, and hesitation surrounding menstruation, aligning with the India — Supreme Court of India>>>'s observations on dignity, education, and equality. Developed in Punjabi, the curriculum uses interactive storytelling and participatory activities, centered around a character named Ruby, to help students understand bodily changes, strengthen hygiene practices, build confidence, and create supportive school environments. The India — Punjab, India>>> government collaborated with WASH United>>>, an international non-profit organization, for this program. Extensive teacher training was conducted, with 7,200 teachers trained to facilitate the sessions. The expansion follows a successful pilot program involving over 45,000 students, which showed high teacher confidence and student participation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann>>>'s administration views this as a step towards a modern, inclusive public education system and broader education transformation.