Bhubaneswar: In order to promote open and inclusive conversations around menstrual health, Unicef and Aaina jointly organised ‘Creative Voices for Menstrual Rights and Dignity’ here on Wednesday as a part of the global menstrual health and hygiene day-2026 observance. The event brought together artists, filmmakers and storytellers to discuss how creativity and culture can help break stigma and normalise conversations around menstruation. Prasanta Dash, chief field office, UNICEF Odisha, said menstruation is closely linked to dignity, confidence, equality, education and inclusion.
He stressed that while policies are important, changing mindsets requires empathy and relatable conversations. "Artists and creators have the ability to influence society. A song, film or story can encourage people to speak more openly about menstruation and dignity," Dash said.
Aaina secretary Sneha Mishra said menstrual health should be viewed not only from a hygiene perspective, but also as a rights issue connected to equality, inclusion and freedom.
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eid 2026 Diana Sahu is an Assistant Editor with the Times of India. With a...
Read MoreDiana Sahu is an Assistant Editor with the Times of India. With a professional career spanning nearly two decades, she has been writing extensively on education, livelihood, child rights, gender, heritage & culture, tourism and disability rights. She is also known for her data-driven investigative reports and compelling human interest stories.
Her in-depth story on 'Women in Higher Education' had won her the Best Feature Award at the Laadli Media Awards and a Laadli National Fellowship on 'Gender and Disability'. She had also received WNCB Fellowship on Child Rights.
Apart from her core reporting interests, she loves documenting the many aspects of Odisha's culture and heritage. She tweets at @DiannaSahu.
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