ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (Alliance News): Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the vital connection between women’s socio-economic empowerment and hygiene access at a high-level event held on Thursday.
Speaking during a hygiene kit distribution under the ‘She Power’ initiative, she stressed that improved hygiene and sanitation for women and girls, especially in Balochistan’s rural areas, directly impacts their health, dignity, and opportunities for education and work.
“By addressing menstrual hygiene and sanitation challenges, we are enabling women to achieve more in education, work, and leadership,” Alam said.
She highlighted how the issue of menstrual hygiene has been largely neglected in low-resource regions like Balochistan.
The ‘She Power’ initiative, launched in partnership with Asian Synergies, the Ministry of Climate Change, and the Chinese government, aims to uplift young women by improving access to essential hygiene products and health education.
So far, over 20,000 hygiene kits have been distributed in districts like Gwadar, Lasbella, and Quetta. These kits, which include sanitary pads, soap, hand sanitizers, and educational materials, aim to foster healthier hygiene practices among schoolgirls.
Alam stated that the initiative’s success in raising awareness about safe hygiene practices has encouraged plans to implement it in other provinces.
She also highlighted the grassroots approach of engaging local health workers and community leaders, which helps dispel misinformation and stigma surrounding menstrual health.
Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, called the initiative a “game-changer,” noting how it has empowered girls in Balochistan to openly discuss menstrual health, reducing the stigma associated with it.
She added that access to hygiene products and safe sanitation facilities plays a critical role in keeping women in school and the workforce.
Neelam Hamid, Chief Executive of Asian Synergy, stated that the overarching goal of ‘She Power’ is to transform the socio-economic lives of girls and women in Balochistan through sustained access to hygiene facilities.
The initiative also promotes a culture of health awareness, aiming to empower women and improve their participation in the region’s development.
