National Seminar on Menstrual Myths and Hygiene held at G.P. Women’s College

The Department of English, G.P. Women’s College, Dhanamanjuri University, today organised a one-day national seminar on the theme “Challenging Myths: Beyond Menstrual Hygiene” to promote awareness and dismantle taboos surrounding menstruation.
Lok Sabha MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who attended as Chief Guest, addressed the students on menstrual health and cited the famous essay “If Men Could Menstruate” to underline the need for gender-sensitive perspectives. As part of the programme, he also inaugurated a community water plant and a sanitary napkin vending machine under the MPLADS scheme at the college.
The seminar began with the inauguration of sanitary facilities and a welcome address by Dr. Jaya Thoidingjam, Associate Professor of English. Prof. Nilika Mehrotra from JNU delivered the keynote address online, while Prof. L. Rajen Singh, Principal of G.P. Women’s College, and Dr. Sobhana Laishram, Head of the Department of English, also addressed the gathering.
The technical sessions featured paper presentations on diverse topics such as “Cultural Transgression in MK Binodini’s Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi,” “Women’s Sexuality: Discourse on Menstruation in Meitei Society,” and “Mental Health and Well-being of Women Across the Lifespan.”
Speakers collectively stressed the need to move beyond hygiene-focused narratives and explore menstruation through cultural, psychological, and gender equity perspectives.