Pune, April 2024: The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS) organized three Adolescent Health Awareness Sessions for 50 girls under the aegis of ‘Women Empowerment Project’ supported by AXA GBS. The details are as follows:

First session was organized on 15th April 2024 at Vidya Nagar slum for 17 girls. Mrs Rajshree Deshkhire was the resource person. 

Second session was organized on 19th April 2024 at Laxmi Nagar slum for 18 girls. Mrs  Smita Shinde was the resource person. 

First session was organized on 26th April 2024 at Shelar Chawl slum for 15 girls. Mrs Sneha Balodhi was the resource person. 

The objective of the session 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 person. After the session snacks were distributed to all.