Revolutionizing menstrual health education: Seher’s ZOON initiative takes the lead in rural Kashmir

Srinagar, July 13: In a remarkable display of determination and compassion, Seher Mir, an 18-year-old from Pampore, Kashmir, has emerged as a shining example of volunteerism. Seher, after completing her 10th grade examinations in 2021, made a bold choice to pursue humanities, igniting her desire to make a difference in her community. Her efforts led her to establish an organization called ZOON, through which she embarked on a mission to raise awareness about menstrual health and mental well-being, particularly among women in rural areas.
Facing skepticism from others who doubted her abilities, Seher remained resolute in her pursuit of creating positive change. She shares, “When I started my 11th grade, many people said I couldn’t do anything. But deep down, I wanted to break away from the norm. There was a flicker of determination within me. Starting this initiative was filled with doubt and challenges, but I was determined to make a difference.”
Seher’s enthusiasm proved infectious, as her campaign addressing the taboo subjects of mental health and menstruation gained momentum. What started as an individual effort soon transformed into a team of 50 like-minded teenagers who shared her vision. Presently, Seher and her dedicated team conduct awareness drives in government schools and rural areas across different districts of Kashmir.
Seher’s interactions with women in far-flung regions revealed a glaring lack of knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene. She expresses, “I had assumed that women would be aware of menstrual hygiene, but that was a misconception. When I visit remote areas, I find that women lack even the basic understanding of menstrual health and hygiene. Many harbor misconceptions and doubts surrounding this topic.”
She further explains, “I have spoken to numerous women, and their understanding of menstrual hygiene was filled with inaccuracies. Some girls even experienced prolonged periods for two months without seeking medical assistance, which is far from normal. This clearly indicates a lack of awareness among women. True knowledge is acquired by engaging with women on the ground, through personal conversations.”
A significant barrier preventing women from adopting sanitary products during their periods is the sense of shame associated with purchasing them. Seher and her team decided to tackle this issue head-on, starting their awareness campaigns in the birthplace of the esteemed Kashmiri figure, Habba Khatun. Their efforts in Chandhara have successfully provided accessible menstrual products while educating young girls about menstrual health and hygiene.
The volunteers of ZOON have carried out programs in remote areas such as Pattan Baramulla, Mirgund, Chandhara Pampore, Shar Shali Pampore, Laltrag Pampore, Zantrag Pulwama, Haal Pulwama, Aripal Tral, and numerous other underprivileged villages in Kashmir.
Throughout their initiatives, Seher noticed an inspiring eagerness among women to learn and improve their understanding. “During our programs, we observed a genuine interest and passion among women to acquire more knowledge. They displayed a keenness to learn and grow,” she proudly states.
To date, over 10,000 free sanitary napkins have been distributed among girls through the ZOON initiative. Their commendable work has garnered appreciation and recognition from the community.
Seher, further, emphasizes that their programs are not limited to women alone. They also aim to educate boys about menstrual hygiene, aiming to eradicate the stigma and ridicule associated with menstruation. She affirms, “Boys often mock girls when they are menstruating, and it’s crucial to inform them about the significance of menstrual hygiene.”
Seher and her team are equally committed to raising awareness about the basics of mental health. While Seher acknowledges that she is not a professional psychiatrist, she aims to inform women about common symptoms and encourage them to seek professional help when necessary.
Looking ahead, ZOON plans to collaborate with professionals, including psychologists and doctors, to not only raise awareness about these critical issues but also ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Seher explains, “We believe that healthy family relationships are vital for the mental well-being of children. Therefore, ZOON intends to conduct counseling sessions with parents, enabling them to understand the importance of open discussions surrounding physical and mental health with their children.”