Bhubaneswar, Jul 14: In a bid to break stigma and empower women and adolescent girls, Vedanta Aluminium has intensified menstrual health awareness across communities near its coal mines in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts through Project Arogyam, officials said on Tuesday.

The company recently conducted a week-long Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Programme, reaching over 670 women and girls with expert-led sessions on hygiene, nutrition, pain management and sustainable menstrual products. The initiative encouraged participants to replace myths with informed choices, while embracing Odisha’s cultural traditions such as the Alta ritual during the Raja festival to celebrate womanhood.

Fourteen-year-old Bebina Sahu from Kuraloi village said the sessions gave her confidence: “I learnt the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene, using sanitary pads correctly, and consulting a doctor whenever needed.”

Dr. Rahul Sahu, gynaecologist at Lakhanpur Community Health Centre, emphasised the importance of such interventions: “Creating awareness around menstrual health is one of the most effective ways to empower women and adolescent girls. Initiatives like these equip them with knowledge to make informed decisions while helping communities overcome stigma.”

Amares Kumar, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to inclusive growth. “Through Project Arogyam, we are creating safe spaces where women and adolescent girls can openly discuss menstrual health, make informed choices, and lead healthier lives,” he noted.

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Beyond community engagement, Project Arogyam has also reached schools, promoting informed conversations around puberty and menstrual health. In FY 2025–26, more than 1,400 students across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh participated in awareness sessions, with heating pads and informative books distributed to both girls and boys.

Since inception, Project Arogyam has positively impacted over 50,000 people through mobile health units, specialist medical camps and preventive healthcare initiatives. Vedanta Aluminium’s broader community development programmes around its coal mining operations have reached over two lakh people across 26 villages, spanning healthcare, education, livelihoods and infrastructure.