Kolar: Anthony Sajeeth, a 52-year-old activist, recalls the distress of his daughter 12 years ago when she had her first menstrual period at school. With no private space available for her to change, his daughter felt embarrassed and helpless. This experience was the catalyst for his mission to create ‘pink rooms’ in government schools—dedicated spaces where young girls can manage menstruation with privacy and dignity.
Anthony’s first pink room was set up at a government school in Madanahalli, Kolar district, a year ago. The room, which was funded by Anthony’s personal savings, includes essential facilities like toilets (both Indian and Western styles), a changing area, a sanitary pad dispenser, and an incinerator for disposal. It also has beds and a study desk for girls to use during their menstrual cycle.
A second pink room was later established at Kurugal, Kolar, with the support of Anthony’s social network. Anthony, who runs an NGO called Heart of Giving, is now working to expand this initiative. He aims to collaborate with others who share his vision. His current employer, a gaming company based in Bengaluru, has provided funding to set up a pink room at Kyalanoor Government School, which has around 350 girl students.
Anthony is actively engaging with local government officials and corporate sponsors to develop the program further. He believes that every girl deserves a space to manage her menstrual health without missing out on education.
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