Kashmiri teacher fights period stigma, one village at a time

BARAMULLA: While most schools are quiet on Sundays, Aasima Jan heads into north Kashmir’s remote tribal villages to talk to girls and families about a subject many still avoid: menstruation. For years, the 42-year-old govt school teacher has conducted awareness sessions on menstrual health, hygiene and stigma, while also persuading families to re-enrol children who have dropped out of school. Her efforts earned her J&K’s “Best Teacher Award” in 2023.Recruited in 2003, Aasima spent seven years teaching at a govt school in Bandipora. In 2009, she noticed many girls missing classes for up to a week during their periods. Some said their parents barred them from attending school while menstruating.The turning point came when she found a student crying over the shame surrounding periods. “It broke my heart. I felt a deep sense of responsibility and resolved to do something about it,” Aasima said.