By Sheeba Haji
Bandipora: At a time when education is being promoted as a key tool for empowerment and the government is actively pushing for girls’ education, basic infrastructure continues to fail students in rural Kashmir.
In Onagam village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, several girl students enrolled at Government Girls Middle School are forced to miss school during their menstrual cycles due to the absence of separate washrooms and access to sanitary pads.
The school has a roll of nearly 180 students and 90 among them are girl students. As per students and their parents, the lack of essential hygiene facilities is discouraging adolescent girls from attending regularly, especially during sensitive days.
Despite repeated pleas by parents and the community, authorities have not yet addressed the issue.
We face a lot of difficulties during periods. Sometimes, we skip school altogether,” said Uzma Altaf, a student, adding that awareness programmes about menstruation are also missing in schools.
Other students shared similar concerns. Arifa said, “There’s only one washroom in our school. During those days, we either skip school or avoid using the washroom and wait till we get home. Half of the girls stay home on such days. There should be proper pads and medicines, but these are missing.”
Safia, another student, said the problem is common and serious. “Periods are a major reason why girls skip school. There should be separate toilets for girls and proper facilities like sanitary pads and basic medicines. Many girls don’t even know what to eat or what medicines to take during this time. Junk food may also be one reason why girls are getting their periods earlier, even in 7th or 8th class.”
Parents also raised concerns. Yasmeena, a mother, said the issue needs urgent attention. “Separate washrooms for girls are necessary. The health department should hold awareness programmes in schools to educate girls on what to eat, how to stay clean, what medicines to take. Many girls don’t even talk about it, so sanitary pads should be available in every school.”
Razia Bashir, a Class 7 student, shared her experience. “I started my periods in Class 7. My mother explained it to me, but I didn’t know what to eat, what to do, or what medicine to take. Because of the poor facilities, I often skip school for up to eight days and miss important classes.”
Students and parents have urged the education and health departments to take action by building separate washrooms for girls, supplying sanitary pads and medicines, and conducting awareness drives—to help young girls attend school regularly and without discomfort.
When this reporter raised the issue with the school staff, they acknowledged the lack of facilities but refused to comment on record, stating that only higher authorities are authorised to speak.
(Note This story is Not Edited and Report By Team The KashPost this is first Published by FPK)