Panel Session: Its Everyone’s Business, Period - Health, Hygiene and the Menstrual Taboo and Performance by Sur Mandal artists Ustad Habib Ur Rehman, Rainy Carol and Sumaira Waris

CBS organized its second edutainment event titled “Its Everyone’s Business, Period - Health, Hygiene and the Menstrual Taboo” on April 26, 2019. The event successfully brought at the forefront a positive and constructive dialogue on menstrual health management issues along with the social and economic considerations of period poverty. The entertainment aspect of this event was in collaboration with SAMAAJ, a non-profit organisation using creative expression for defending freedom of expression and gender-equality.

The edutainment event commenced with the Honorary Dean of SDSB, Dr. Alnoor Bhimani, briefly introducing the issue of period poverty and how it gravely impacts the success of a nation. The speakers included Farah Ahamed, Feryal Ali Gauhar and Baela Raza Jamil who engaged with the issue of menstrual health through dignified and insightful speeches. CBS bridged several panelists including young entrepreneurs from ReCircle, Femkins, HerGround and Girlythings, along with Mira Hashmi from the Lahore School of Economics and renowned activist, Jalvat Ali, from the Labour Education Foundation. Dr. Ayesha Masood, an Assistant professor at SDSB, moderated this power panel.
The panel discussion detailed a wide range of topics regarding the stigma around the menstrual cycle as well as discussing the issues faced by women when they come of age. It ensued an invigorating discussion amongst the panelists with occasional contributions and questions from the audience.

The event concluded with a remarkable performance by Sur Mandal artists: Ustad Habib Ur Rehman, Rainy Carol and Sumaira Waris, who is the first and only female tabla player in Pakistan.