ZOON, a non-profit youth organization led by 18-year-old Seher Mir in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is breaking taboos on mental health and menstruation. With a team of 50 like-minded teenagers, the organization’s mission is to empower rural girls and women in Kashmir to overcome the stigma surrounding menstruation and mental health issues. The organization provides education on menstrual health and hygiene while distributing sanitary pads to girls in rural areas.
Through their awareness drives, ZOON has reached over 1000 students and distributed more than 10,000 free sanitary napkins. The organization also addresses mental disorders, menstrual hygiene issues, and sexual abuse through its Instagram handle @andleb_i_firdous, which has brought recognition and appreciation from the authorities.
In India, it is estimated that 88% of menstruating women use homemade alternatives like old fabric, while 63 million adolescent girls live without toilet facilities. Ignorance, poverty, and neglect are the main reasons for inadequate menstrual hygiene. Even in modern times, conversations about topics such as mental and menstrual health are often avoided, especially in rural areas where modernization is yet to arrive. This has given rise to disastrous consequences, making the need for attention and action on these issues essential.
ZOON plans to take psychologists and doctors on board to not only provide information but also diagnosis and treatment. They also aim to hold counseling sessions with parents to help them understand the importance of discussing physical and mental health with their children.
ZOON represents a one-of-a-kind organization in Kashmir, as it is rare to have a platform for young leaders to initiate change in the region. The organization also addresses a range of issues, including climate change, economic stability, and the power of technology, in its awareness drives.
In conclusion, through its efforts, ZOON is making considerable progress to empower rural girls and women and break down the taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation and mental health. By expanding their reach and addressing various issues, the organization hopes to make a bigger impact in the region.
