Dignity Diary 59

Dignity DIARY

June 2024 Issue #59

Cyclone Remal

has hit many parts of North-East India

To Do Your Bit.. Click here

Dear Friend of Goonj,

As we grapple with increasingly extreme weather events fueled by the climate crisis, heat waves in some parts and devastating cyclones in others, now more than ever, there is a significant need to adapt to sustainable practices as much as we can.

One issue which lies at the intersection of environmental sustainability and basic human dignity is that of menstrual health and hygiene. The recent Menstruation Dialogue 2024 hosted by Goonj, in association with NFI, CDPP and Ashoka, on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, 28th May 2024, emitted light on this critical topic. It brought together practitioners, academics, and grassroots advocates in a vital discussion around crafting comprehensive policies to uphold menstrual well-being and dignity for all. Too often, menstruation has been shrouded in stigma, depriving millions of menstruators of the basic resources and rights they deserve during their periods. Menstrual challenges become grave during a disaster as it leaves the menstruators without access to clean and safe menstrual products. Moreover, the environmental costs are also staggering, with non-biodegradable sanitary products generating massive amounts of plastic waste.

In addition to the Menstruation Dialogue, we engaged in discussions with teachers and schools to encourage sustainable practices, aiming to establish a community of schools for sustainability. The month of June promises an array of exciting events, including Baithak, a gathering of passionate changemakers in the development sector, and the National Volunteer Meet, which will bring together our network of dedicated volunteers from across India. These gatherings will explore how we, as responsible citizens, can contribute to the adaptation and promotion of sustainable practices, and uplift those without basic material resources. Let’s join hands and collectively work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Lagey Raho..

Anshu Gupta

Founder-Goonj and Gram Swabhimaan

Upcoming EVENTs

Goonj's 11th Baithak is on 14th and 15th June, 2024 - a gathering of passionate individuals from the development sector under one roof, creating an engaging platform for co-learning and knowledge sharing, while gaining insights from some of the experts from the field.

The first-ever Goonj's Maitriee:

National Volunteers Meet 2024 is taking place in Delhi on June 22nd and 23rd (Saturday and Sunday). Our volunteers have played a strategic role in Goonj's work, and as we celebrate 25 years of our journey, we are inviting our dedicated volunteers to the meet. Together, we will brainstorm, envision, and plan the direction forward for our collective efforts. Click here to participate.

Applications now open for Goonj Grassroots Fellowship 2024-2025! Inviting passionate individuals to set out on a year-long journey of community engagement and grassroots development.

APPLY HERE : (Last Date- 24/6/2024)

Know more on the fellowship

UPDATES

The Goonj Community of Schools for Sustainable Development (GCSSD) was launched at the Teachers' Meet in Goonj’s Delhi Centre on 10th May, 2024. GCSSD aims to empower young minds to drive positive change towards sustainability. It will encourage collaboration between schools through sustainable fests, empower students as changemakers through Goonj Clubs and facilitate co-learning between urban-rural students. To organise or be a part of similar meets in your city, write to us at mail@goonj.org

Disaster Exhibition in School - Under the S2S initiative, Goonj recently held a Disaster Exhibition at Jaypee Greens Public School in Noida on May 18th, 2024. It was the first time the exhibition, featuring photographs by Goonj's founder Anshu Gupta, highlighting disasters and relief efforts, was held in a school premises. The powerful images moved parents and visitors, sparking conversations around disaster relief and sustainability, emphasising Goonj's crucial work in these areas.

To hold such events in your school, mail us at s2s@goonj.org

Some glimpses from our annual event Chaupal in Dehradun, held on 26th May 2024. The day was filled with hearty conversations, exchange of ideas and cultural immersions, something worth remembering as we celebrated Goonj's 25 years of People, Purpose, and Possibilities! Updates on upcoming Chaupal in other cities coming soon…

For glimpses Click here..

Menstruation Dialogue 2024 at India Habitat centre on Menstrual Hygiene Day, 28th May 2024.The panels covered insightful stories from the ground, the significance of qualitative and intersectional research data, and the need for open dialogue and acceptance for policy reform.

To know more Click here.

Breaking Taboos, Nurturing Nature:

Holistic Approach to Menstrual Health

Goonj has been tackling menstrual health and hygiene challenges faced by women living in far-flung villages across India, through its initiative ‘Not Just a Piece of Cloth’. Goonj’s ‘Chuppi Todo Baithak’ (Break the Silence Meeting) sessions facilitates open discussions for communities on menstruation and menstrual health. During one such meeting in Gop Badheisahi village of Odisha, 41 women volunteered to create a community kitchen garden after the importance of nutrition during menstruation was discussed. The kitchen garden provided access to healthier diets and improved menstrual health while encouraging self-reliance.

. Click to read the story

Contribute materials at your nearest Goonj dropping centres