Pune, October 2026: The Don Bosco Development Society organized three health awareness sessions for adolescent girls under the aegis of AXA Global Business Services. A total of 123 adolescent girls participated in the sessions. The details are as follows:  

The sessions aimed to empower adolescent girls with knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health, prevent health risks, adopt healthy lifestyles, and seek appropriate support when required. The sessions also encouraged open discussion and helped the girls clarify their doubts and misconceptions regarding health and well-being.

The key topics covered during the sessions included:

1. Personal Health, Hygiene and Sanitation

• Importance of maintaining personal hygiene in daily life

• Good sanitation practices to prevent infections and diseases

• Importance of cleanliness and healthy daily habits

2. Menstrual Health and Hygiene

• Understanding the menstrual cycle and changes during adolescence

• Importance of menstrual hygiene and safe practices

• Addressing common myths and misconceptions related to menstruation

3. Diet and Nutrition

• Importance of a balanced and nutritious diet during adolescence

• Essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development

• Developing healthy eating habits and preventing nutritional deficiencies

4. Physical Health and Fitness

• Importance of regular physical activity and exercise

• Understanding and coping with physical changes during adolescence

• Healthy habits for maintaining physical fitness

5. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

• Importance of mental health and emotional well-being

• Managing stress, anxiety, and emotional changes

• Building confidence, self-esteem, and resilience

6. Reproductive Health

• Understanding physical and hormonal changes during puberty

• Awareness of reproductive health and associated risks

• Basic information on contraception and responsible health choices

7. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Awareness of common sexually transmitted infections

• Ways to prevent infections

• Importance of timely testing, treatment, and seeking professional help

8. Gender Equality

• Understanding gender equality and its importance

• Promoting equal opportunities, dignity, and mutual respect

• Encouraging girls to be confident and aware of their rights

9. Sexual Abuse and Personal Safety

• Recognising inappropriate behaviour and possible signs of sexual abuse

• Understanding personal boundaries and the importance of consent

• Encouraging girls to speak up, seek help, and report abuse to trusted adults or appropriate authorities

10. Substance Abuse and Tobacco Consumption

• Harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and other addictive substances

• Health and social risks associated with substance use

• Preventive measures and the importance of seeking support when needed

The sessions included an interactive question-and-answer and open discussion forum, allowing the participants to openly raise their concerns and seek clarification from the resource persons. The discussions created a safe and supportive environment for the girls to discuss sensitive issues related to adolescence, health, safety, and well-being.

Snacks were distributed to all participants after the sessions.