Kashmiri teacher fights period stigma, one village at a time

In the remote tribal villages of north Kashmir, Aasima Jan, a 42-year-old government school teacher, dedicates herself to dispelling the stigma surrounding menstruation. Despite Sundays remaining quiet in most schools, Aasima ventures into these villages to educate girls and families about menstrual health, hygiene, and the societal taboo that often shrouds the topic.

For years, she has conducted awareness sessions, coaxing families to re-enroll students who have quit school due to their periods. Her tireless efforts earned her the prestigious "Best Teacher Award" from the J&K government in 2023.

Recruited in 2003, Aasima initially taught at a government school in Bandipora for seven years. It was during her tenure there that she noticed a significant number of girls absent from classes for up to a week every month. Some shared that their parents prevented them from attending school during menstruation, driven by shame and stigma.

A turning point arrived when Aasima encountered a student visibly distressed, weeping over the societal pressure to hide her menstrual cycle. This emotional encounter ignited a deep sense of responsibility within her, prompting her to take action.

Aasima promptly initiated extra classes on menstruation and began counseling parents, assuring girls that menstruation is a natural process, not a disease, but a sign of growing up. Her efforts resulted in improved attendance among girls. Undeterred by the challenge, Aasima broadened her outreach beyond the classroom. She began conducting monthly awareness sessions at schools and visiting villages on Sundays and holidays, even after her transfer to the neighboring Baramulla district.

Her efforts spread to remote areas like Gurez and Uri, as well as to nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. Every Sunday, Aasima selects a village, reaches out to local panchayats and sarpanches, and conducts sessions focused on awareness, acceptance, and action. In these remote areas, she frequently finds girls using cloth during their periods, while families, including mothers, are reluctant to discuss menstruation openly.

To address this, Aasima uses her own funds to purchase sanitary pads, which she distributes during her visits, explaining their use and proper disposal.

Aasima's impact extends beyond her social media presence, which boasts around 40,000 followers, and is also evident in the ripple effect among students. The greatest reward for Aasima, however, lies in witnessing students continue her work by spreading awareness and positivity about menstrual health.