To highlight a critical issue pertaining to the health, hygiene, and well-being of women and girls, Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) 2023 witnessed a remarkable celebration in Balochistan, organized by the Menstrual Hygiene Management Working Group (MHMWG). In collaboration with esteemed organizations such as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Water Aid, Islamic Relief, UNICEF, and other members of MHMWG, the event aimed to raise awareness and advocate for menstrual hygiene rights in the province. Held on May 29 at a local hotel in Quetta, this momentous occasion brought together an array of stakeholders, fostering a collective commitment towards transforming society's perception of menstrual health.
Promoting Knowledge Sharing and Empowerment:
The primary objective of the event was to promote knowledge sharing and learning from successful interventions focused on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in Balochistan. Participants included representatives from the government, international and national development organizations, civil society, human rights activists, journalists, students, and youth, all unified in their dedication to advocating for women and girls. It is worth mentioning here that the MHM is still considered a taboo subject, especially in conservative societies and thus, the ‘culture of silence’ causes tremendous risk to the physical, and psychological health of menstruating women & girls.
Addressing the Urgency
During the event, speakers highlighted the critical need to raise awareness about MHM and called for collaboration among stakeholders from the public, private, and development sectors. The experts emphasized the importance of involving key figures such as teachers, students from religious seminaries, lady health visitors, and leaders from civil society organizations (CSOs) to promote MHM awareness throughout society. Although progress has been made in discussing women's health and hygiene, the speakers stressed the continued necessity for mass awareness campaigns, particularly through media engagement, to revolutionize societal mindsets. Additionally, ensuring the sustainability of the MHM Secretariat in Quetta was emphasized, with partner organizations pledging their support.
Prioritizing Girls' Friendly Schools
One of the notable strategies discussed during the ceremony was the importance of establishing girls' friendly schools as a powerful means of addressing MHM challenges. Representatives from MHMWG member organizations reassured the audience that their efforts to reach diverse segments of society would persist. They underscored the significance of a joint strategy involving all relevant sectors, particularly education and health, to guarantee universal access to MHM services and products for every woman and girl.
Engaging Diverse Perspectives
The event featured a panel discussion comprising parliamentarians, health professionals, and media experts who delved into various aspects of MHM-related issues. They emphasized the need for broad-based engagement to effectively respond to the challenges at hand. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the complex social dynamics surrounding menstrual hygiene.
Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements
During the ceremony, the results of engaging activities, including an essay writing competition and a short video competition among students from different schools, were announced. These creative initiatives showcased the talent and enthusiasm of young minds in raising awareness about MHM. A representative from GIZ provided a comprehensive overview of MHM at various levels and reassured the participants of her organization's ongoing support for civil society organizations in empowering women and girls.
Conclusion
The Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 celebrations in Balochistan stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and commitment. By uniting stakeholders from various sectors, this event successfully advocated for menstrual hygiene rights, promoted knowledge sharing, and emphasized the urgency of raising awareness about MHM. It is through concerted efforts that Balochistan is inching closer to a society that champions the rights and well-being of women and girls. As the celebrations concluded, a renewed sense of dedication and determination filled the air, igniting hope for a future where menstrual hygiene is universally recognized, respected, and supported.
Pakistani rupee remains largely stable against the US dollar, and other currencies in the open market on Saturday.
On Saturday, the US dollar was being quoted at 283.4 for buying and 285.95 for selling.
Euro comes down to 307 for buying and 310 for selling. British Pound rate remains unchanged at 358.5 for buying, and 362 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED witnessed slight drop and new rate stands at 77.2 whereas the Saudi Riyal remained stable at 76.
Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 283.4 | 285.95 |
Euro | EUR | 307 | 307 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 358.5 | 362 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 77.2 | 78 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 76 | 76.8 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 187.2 | 189 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 755.82 | 763.82 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 209 | 211 |
China Yuan | CNY | 39.82 | 40.22 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 41.14 | 41.54 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 36.37 | 36.72 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 3.41 | 3.52 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 922.14 | 931.14 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 60.82 | 61.42 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 175.33 | 177.33 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.12 | 26.42 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 738.71 | 746.71 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 78.07 | 78.77 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 211 | 213 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 27.32 | 27.62 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 324.5 | 327 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 8.08 | 8.23 |
Gold prices witnessed negative trend in local markets in line with the trend in the international market.
On Saturday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs217,600, and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs186,560.
Single tola of 22 Karat Gold price costs Rs199,465, 21 karat rate per tola costs Rs190, 400 and 18k gold rate is Rs163,200.00 for each tola.
In the global market, gold prices hovers around $2,004 per ounce, after drop of $23.35 on Saturday.
City | Gold | Silver |
---|---|---|
Lahore | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Karachi | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Islamabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Peshawar | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Quetta | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Sialkot | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Attock | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Gujranwala | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Jehlum | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Multan | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Gujrat | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Nawabshah | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Chakwal | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Hyderabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Nowshehra | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Sargodha | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Faisalabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Mirpur | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
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