Thulsi (centre) with some of the students who attended the ‘Hold Her Hands: Our Girls, Our Future’ programme at SMK Seri Puteri, Buntong.
SMK Seri Puteri in Buntong, Perak hosted a pilot programme to help girls understand the physical and mental changes they will experience with puberty.
Known as “Hold Her Hands: Our Girls, Our Future”, the recent awareness programme, involving 440 students, was organised by Buntong assemblyman M. Thulsi.
Thulsi said the programme was to empower young girls with knowledge as they transition to womanhood.
“I want to create more platforms for girls to feel safe and learn about the changes that happen to them at puberty and embrace womanhood.
“Problems like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) are issues that can affect women throughout their life.
“It can affect their productivity, mental health and overall health.
“So it is important that conversations on these issues start while they are in school.”
She said the talks were delivered by the Buntong Health Clinic’s Family Medicine Specialist Dr Subashini Ambigapathy and Greentown Health Clinic’s dietitian Roopini Padmanabhan.
Thulsi said she wished there were platforms like this when she was growing up.
“Having faced PCOS, I struggled a lot in my twenties and I only understood my body better in my thirties.
“So I aim to help girls by empowering them with knowledge as well as information on good diet and exercise.
“Research indicated early awareness and education on women reproductive health significantly impacts their overall well-being.
“According to the recent statistics from the World Health Organisation, approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide suffer from PCOS, a common endocrine disorder that affects fertility, and can lead to long-term health complications if left untreated,” she added.
Thulsi pointed out studies had shown early intervention and lifestyle modifications can mitigate the risks associated with PCOS and other reproductive health issues.
She said providing girls with accurate information and resources at a crucial stage of their development would help them make informed decisions about their health.
“Apples were also distributed to each student to symbolise the importance of cultivating good eating habits.
“We also extended our gratitude to the school’s principal and the administration for their invaluable support.
“Together we can ensure that young girls are empowered to take charge of their reproductive health, leading to a better quality of life throughout their journey to womanhood,” she added.
