Phulki hosted Project Sharing Event on MHM Model in Dhaka

Md. Ariful Islam, Staff Reporter: A sharing event of on-going project, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Model, funded by Auchan Foundation and technically supported by SNV Netherlands Development Organization in Bangladesh was hosted by PHULKI. The colorful event was organized at Lakeshore Hotel, Gulshan 2, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 13th December 2021. The three-year project has passed its two and half year successfully. Under the program “Implementing MHM Model Through Integration of Basket Solution” by Auchan Foundation duration July 2009 to June 2022, PHULKI has been working remarkably with 08 garment factories for betterment of the workers’ health status, social safeguard, and health rights.

The event is to highlight the achievements and outputs of the project and share them with interested communities and social workers.

The program was started with the welcoming speech delivered by Ms. Farhtheeba Rahat Khan, Team Leader- RMG Inclusive Business Programs, SNV Netherlands Development Organization. Ms. Farhtheeba made the program theme clear for the audience. Then a PowerPoint presentation on project overview was presented by Ms. Monjury Banerjee, Project Manager- PHULKI. Through her presentation, Ms. Monjury upheld their remarkable achievements, data analysis, challenges they faced on the field and ultimate goals of the projects.

Mr. Md. Ehsan-E-Elahi, Honorable Secretary- Ministry of Labor and Employment was present there as the Chief Guest. In his speech, Mr. Ehsan highly praised PHULKI, SNV and Auchan Foundation for their collaborative approach to develop such an initiative for working women of Bangladesh. He emphasized on the importance of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights to build a sustainable nation. He also assured the hosts to provide logistics support for such social activities from government in future.

Ms. Suraiya Haque, Founder and Executive Director- PHULKI, said that the private sector in Bangladesh is progressively realizing the potentials of Inclusive Business concepts for sustainable growth. PHULKI has been incorporating the Inclusive Business models in RMG sector to improve the health and wellbeing of workers with a particular focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. PHULKI could be the prime contributor in positive change in the society.

Mr. Syful Alam Mallick, Compliance Manager (South Asia)- Auchan Foundation, Mr. Shahidullah Azim, Vice President- BGMEA and Ms. Nurun Nahar Begum, Line Director- CCSDP, DGFP were also present as special guests. Representatives from garment factories, NGOs, Brands and Buyers, social workers and media personals also attended the program.

“Since the beginning of Auchan Foundation in 2014, we have been working for the betterment of unprivileged workers, specially for female workers. We conducted different surveys to come to know the wellbeing status of the female workers working in the RMG sector. We discovered that most of them are unaware about the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. Then we have come up with this MHM project to educate and empower them. We have been running this model for 5000 workers in 8 different garment factories. Beside raising awareness, we distributed sanitary napkin with subsidized cost. If I talk about present situation of those factories, short leave and absenteeism have been reduced remarkably. Their health status is improving. They are happier and fitter than before.”, Mr. Syful Alam Mallick, Compliance Manager (South Asia)- Auchan Foundation was stating in his remarks.

Factory representatives shared the positive outcomes they got after the implementation of MHM models in their respective factories. They reassured to continue this Menstrual Hygiene Management Model even after conclusion of the project.

The organizers urged brands, NGOs, government, and relevant players to come forward for ensuring better health and wellbeing of the workers, particularly of working women of the country.