Pune, November 2023: The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS) organized six health awareness sessions for adults residing in various slums of Pune. 149 ladies participated in these awareness sessions held under the aegis of ‘Women Empowerment Project’ supported by AXA Business Services. The objective of the programme was to educate women on health, hygiene and health risk behaviour. The details of sessions conducted are as follows:

First session was organized on 6th November 2023 at Nagpur Chawl for 48 girls. Dr. Rupali Shinde was the resource person.

 Second session was organized on 8th November 2023 at Laxmi Nagar slum for 21 girls. Dr. Anjum was the resource person.

 Third session was organized on 10th November 2023 at Indira Nagar Slum for 20 girls. Dr. Prajakta Aswar was the resource person.

 Fourth session was organized on 21st November 2023 at Private Road Slum for 21 girls.  Mrs. Anita Wayal was the resource person.

 Fifth session was organized on 25th November 2023 at Mahatma Phule Nagar Slum for 17 girls.  Dr. Prajkta Aswar was the resource person.

 Sixth session was organized on 27th November 2023 at Tadiwala Road Slum for 22 girls.  Mrs. Nisha Naidu was the resource person.

The objective of the sessions was to educate adolescent girls on personal health, hygiene and sanitation, menstrual cycle, diet, physical, gender equality and mental fitness and nutrition. The resource person spoke about physical changes, psychological changes, vulnerability to reproductive health risks, nutrition, contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual abuse, drugs and substance abuse, etc. Participants were also informed about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. This was followed by a question and answer session in which the participants asked questions which were answered by the resource persons. After the session snacks were served to all.