Sulabh Sanitation Club Marks Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 with School-Based Initiatives Across Sikkim

Sikkim, May 2026: To commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, the Sulabh Sanitation Club, in partnership with the Alkem Foundation and the Education Department, Government of Sikkim, implemented a series of impactful initiatives across schools in Soreng, Namchi, and Pakyong districts. Focused on promoting menstrual hygiene, dignity, and inclusive education, the programme strengthened school sanitation infrastructure through the establishment of girls’ changing rooms, menstrual care facilities, wellness centres, and awareness initiatives designed to support adolescent girls.

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As part of the campaign, a newly refurbished Girls’ Changing Room was dedicated at Chakung Senior Secondary School, Soreng, by Ms Sushma Mohra, Deputy Director, Education Department, in the presence of school authorities, teachers, students, and School Management Committee members. Addressing the gathering, Ms Mohra highlighted the importance of providing safe, hygienic, and dignified spaces for adolescent girls, noting that such facilities play a crucial role in promoting menstrual hygiene management, confidence, and regular school attendance.

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Representatives from Sulabh International and the Alkem Foundation reiterated their commitment to strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools and creating healthier, more inclusive learning environments. The initiative also included the provision of a water dispenser for students, further enhancing the school’s facilities. The school community expressed appreciation for the support, emphasizing the positive impact the intervention would have on the comfort and well-being of girl students.

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In Namchi, a dedicated Menstrual Care Room and Student Wellness Centre was inaugurated at PM Shri Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School by Ms Anupa Tamling, District Collector, Namchi. The facility was established to address one of the key challenges faced by adolescent girls—limited access to appropriate sanitation facilities and support during menstruation.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Tamling described the facility as a symbol of care, dignity, and action that can significantly improve girls’ confidence, attendance, and future opportunities. She also stressed the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensuring that young girls have access to proper hygiene facilities, health information, and supportive environments.

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Mr Rupak Roy Choudhury, National Coordinator, Sulabh Sanitation Club, highlighted that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to reimagine and redesign school changing rooms from the perspective of adolescent girls. He emphasized that the programme extends beyond infrastructure development and seeks to create safe, inclusive spaces where girls can manage menstruation with comfort and confidence. He further noted that awareness sessions, access to hygiene products, and menstrual health education are critical components of creating lasting behavioural change and improving girls’ overall well-being.

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The initiative was further strengthened through menstrual hygiene awareness programmes and the distribution of menstrual cups, encouraging sustainable menstrual health practices among students. School authorities and students acknowledged the positive impact of these interventions in fostering greater awareness, confidence, and open dialogue around menstrual health.

Similarly, at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Rhenock, Pakyong District, the Sulabh Sanitation Club, with support from the Alkem Foundation under the Aagaz 3.0 Project, transformed an existing girls’ toilet into a dedicated Girls’ Changing Room and established a Health and Wellness Hub. The programme was attended by Mrs Prabha Pradhan, Zilla Upadhyaksha, Pakyong, Mr Suren Pradhan, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Rongli, school authorities, students, and representatives from Sulabh International and Alkem Foundation.

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During the programme, speakers underscored the importance of gender-sensitive WASH infrastructure in ensuring regular school attendance, improving menstrual hygiene management, and reducing dropout rates among adolescent girls. The distribution of menstrual cups also reinforced the programme’s focus on sustainability and long-term menstrual health solutions.

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Observed in conjunction with Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment by Sulabh International, the Alkem Foundation, and the Education Department, Government of Sikkim, to create school environments where every girl feels safe, respected, and empowered to continue her education with dignity.

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Through improved sanitation infrastructure, menstrual health awareness, and sustainable hygiene solutions, the Sulabh Sanitation Club continues to advance its mission of promoting menstrual health, gender equity, and inclusive education. By creating supportive spaces for adolescent girls across Sikkim, the initiative is helping ensure that no girl’s education is interrupted due to a lack of access to safe, hygienic, and dignified menstrual hygiene facilities.