IFI Foundation in collaboration with World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar, organised “Let’s Talk Periods” in Bhubaneswar to promote menstrual health awareness and stigma-free conversations among youth. The programme featured expert talks, interactive sessions, and awareness initiatives focused on building a #PeriodFriendlyWorld
OdishaPlus Bureau
Youth can play a transformative role in building a healthier, safer, and more inclusive society by promoting scientific awareness and open conversations around women’s health and menstruation without stigma. This collective message resonated strongly at the “Let’s Talk Periods” programme organised at the World Skill Center (WSC), Bhubaneswar.
The public health outreach programme, observed around Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 under the global theme of building a period-friendly world, was hosted by IFI Foundation in collaboration with WSC as Academic Partner. Swasthya Plus Network and OdishaLIVE served as Outreach Partners, aml Communications as Communication Partner, and Odisha Menstrual Health & Hygiene Alliance as Ecosystem Partner.
Hundreds of students from various departments of the institution, along with faculty members and trainers, actively participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Pinaki Patnaik, Add’l Secretary, SD&TE Dept, Odisha, and COO of WSC, said menstruation is a natural biological process, yet stigma and misinformation continue to affect women’s dignity, health, and opportunities. He emphasised that awareness and education are essential to creating a more informed and compassionate society.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Subhanga Kishore Das. Renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Chinmayee Kar attended as technical speaker and spoke on menstrual hygiene, scientific understanding of menstruation, and the need to eliminate myths surrounding periods.
On the occasion, IFI Foundation unveiled a special informational brochure. A thematic audio-visual capsule, explaining menstruation, hygiene management, and common menstrual health concerns, was also screened.
Pranati Parida, Co-Chair, IFI Foundation and Campaign Chair, said that menstruation must never become a barrier to a girl’s or woman’s dreams, education, or success. Highlighting global data, she noted that over 1.8 billion women experience menstruation each month, and on average, a woman spends nearly seven years of her life in menstruation. She reiterated that the core mission of the campaign is to ensure dignity, safety, confidence, and equal opportunity for every girl and woman.
An interactive Q&A session was held where Dr. Chinmayee Kar addressed various queries from students related to menstrual health, hygiene practices, myths, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing during periods.
Among others present at the programme were Nilambar Rath, Co-Chair, IFI Foundation and several senior officials of the institution. The vote of thanks was delivered by Sailesh Mishra, Deputy Director, Admin, WSC. The programme was anchored by Priyanka Sucharita, while Smruti Rekha Barik, Sitansu Sekhar Sutar and Sushree Smita Behera coordinated the event proceedings.
IFI Foundation has been consistently advancing large-scale advocacy campaigns over the past four years to promote menstrual health awareness, challenge harmful stigma, and encourage inclusive public dialogue. This year, the Foundation has also rolled out a five-day digital awareness campaign in 14 languages, promoting collective action, informed conversations, and dignity-driven awareness around menstrual health.