Balochistan Commits to Advancing Menstrual Health and Hygiene, Says Education Minister Raheela Durrani

Quetta:Balochistan’s Minister for Education, **Ms. Raheela Hameed Durrani**, has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting all positive initiatives related to **women’s and girls’ health and hygiene**, particularly menstrual health. She emphasized the need for **collective policy actions** to bring about real and lasting change.

Speaking at a special event organized by the **MHH Working Group Balochistan** on the occasion of **Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day 2025**, Minister Durrani highlighted the importance of this global day in **raising awareness** about the health and hygiene challenges faced by women and girls.

She expressed hope that the newly developed **Provincial MHH Policy and Strategy** would serve as an **effective and sustainable roadmap** for improving menstrual health in Balochistan and raising awareness around related issues.

The event, held under the **MHH Working Group Secretariat Balochistan**, was organized in collaboration with **GIZ, UNICEF, UNFPA, IRC, Education Support Program (ESP)** and other partner organizations. It saw active participation from representatives of the **Health, Education, and Population Welfare Departments**, as well as **civil society, education experts, donors, and media**.

**Abdullah Khan**, Secretary of Population Welfare, stated that **lack of awareness and stigma** surrounding menstrual health poses serious health risks for girls. He stressed the need to **raise awareness** and ensure **access to safe menstrual care**.

**Dr. Tahira Kamal**, Chairperson of the MHH Working Group Balochistan, reviewed the group’s recent efforts and said:

> “We have made significant strides in breaking the culture of silence around menstrual health. The introduction of provincial policy dialogues and tax reforms, in partnership with various stakeholders, is shaping a new narrative toward a more inclusive and women-friendly society.”

**Fauzia Shaheen**, Chairperson of the **Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women**, said MHH is a key pillar of the broader **women empowerment agenda**, which is being strengthened through targeted policy actions.

**UNFPA representative Sadia Atta** highlighted the importance of **intersectoral coordination** and called for integrating MHH into **youth reproductive health programs**. She emphasized that **community engagement and institutional cooperation** are essential for sustainability.

**Hashim Khan** of GIZ noted that menstruation remains a **taboo subject in society** and stressed the need to foster **open conversations on reproductive health**.

**Falak Naz from UNICEF** drew attention to the struggles of school-going girls, noting that many are forced to drop out due to **embarrassment or lack of proper facilities**. She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting **tax reforms and media campaigns** to tackle these barriers.

The event concluded with a **shared commitment** to integrate menstrual health and hygiene into the **broader development, education, and human rights agenda** in Balochistan. All stakeholders pledged continued collaboration to ensure **policy implementation, awareness, and access to essential facilities**.