PR No – 424
13th June, 2023
New Delhi
PHDCCI launches UNESCO and P&G’s Spotlight Red Campaign
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), as national Advocacy Partner, launched UNESCO New Delhi and P&G Whisper India’s #Spotlight Red campaign in New Delhi on Tuesday. Chairperson of PHDCCI’s Women, Child Development & Entrepreneurship Committee Mrs Aruna Oswal and Co-Chair of the Committee, Dr Blossom Kochhar took part in the launch ceremony.
Mr Anil K Antony, Vice President and Trustee, Navoothan Foundation and Member, BJP, was the Chief Guest and Prof. (Dr) Uma Kumar, Professor and Head, Department of Rheumatology, AIIMS New Delhi was the Guest of Honour.
Welcoming the partnership with UNESCO on this important subject, Mrs Oswal said, “Today, we come together with a shared determination to dismantle the barriers surrounding menstrual health and hygiene and create a society where these topics are no longer considered embarrassing to be discussed. Our aim is to empower women and girls by providing them with knowledge, resources, and support to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”
Presenting the teaching-learning modules and the gap analysis on the issue of menstruation, Dr Huma Masood, Senior Gender Specialist at UNESCO New Delhi said, “The Government of India has been promoting inclusive and equitable access to menstruation-related support. Menstruation is a natural process, but the shame, heavy stigma and misconception attached to it is prevalent even today. In an unprecedented turn of events this subject figured in the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech of 2020. Taking a cue from that instance we have come here today creating a momentum that will resonate throughout India.”
The campaign includes five groundbreaking teaching-learning modules on five thematic areas which include disabilities, gender, teachers and educators, young adults and nutrition, along with a comprehensive National Survey and Gap Analysis report on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) under the initiative #KeepGirlsinSchool. The highly anticipated national launch took place at the PHD House.
“Menstruation has historically been regarded with secrecy, which is particularly quite problematic for school-going young girls as it creates hesitance and misinformation. Menstruation is not something to be hidden and I appreciate how this project is breaking taboos and barriers,” said Dr Kumar.
Dr Kochhar, in her vote of thanks, said, “School education, specially that of girls, is the pillar of any society. In our own country, we have a state which has 100 per cent literacy – Kerala. That state is high on all human development indices despite a low per capita income. Which means, money is not the only criteria for a good standard of living. What really matters is education, which results in low infant mortality, higher life expectancy and improved access to healthcare.
“For girls to stay in schools, everywhere in the country, not just in Kerala, it is important that they be provided safe and clean toilets. This is where the role of this campaign – Spotlight Red – becomes important.”
The launch also saw the presence of various stakeholders including representatives of Government of India, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
The release of these teaching-learning modules will provide learners, educators, menstruators, and community leaders with indispensable resources and strategies for comprehensive understanding and skill development in managing menstruation, while driving awareness about its societal impact.
Caption: (L to R): Ms Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General PHDCCI; Dr Uma Kumar, Head, Department of Rheumatology, AIIMS; Mrs Aruna Oswal, Chairperson, Women, Child Development & Entrepreneurship Committee; Mr Anil K Antony, Vice President, Navoothan Foundation and Member BJP; Dr Huma Masood, Senior Gender Specialist at UNESCO New Delhi; Ms Kruti Desai, Communications Head at P&G Whisper India and Ms Rakhee Bakshi, Media Advisor at Indian Institute of Public Administration at the launch of Spotlight Red Campaign at PHD House in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The launch was supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; Aruna Abhey Oswal Foundation and Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic; and PHDCCI’s Annual sponsors DLF Ltd; Jindal Steel & Power; KLJ Group; Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Marble City; MMG Group; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Uflex Ltd; Vestige; Eazy ERP Technologies; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Sagar Group of Industries; Superior Industries Limited; Samsung India Electronics; Oswal Greentech; Apeejay Stya Group; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; DCM Shriram; R E Rogers; Trident Group; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; Central Coalfields Ltd; DD Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Hindware Sanitary; Jindal Steel; Modern Automobiles; P S BEDI & Co.;
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Warm Regards
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry