Chennai, India: Aahwahan Foundation, in collaboration with NTT DATA, has inaugurated a dedicated Pink Room along with a toilet facility at “Avadi Corporation Higher Secondary School, Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai”, which is a government school. The initiative was introduced to address critical challenges faced by schoolgirls related to menstrual hygiene, dignity, and attendance. The Pink Room remains the heart of this initiative, designed specifically to support girls during menstruation when many are forced to stay home due to pain, fear of leakage, lack of sanitary products, or absence of private rest spaces. This often leads to repeated absenteeism and, in many cases, early school dropouts. Recognizing this need, NTT DATA and Aahwahan Foundation have established a dedicated Pink Room at Avadi Corporation Higher Secondary School, Chennai. Thoughtfully designed to support girls during menstruation, the facility includes a resting bed, recliner chair, hot bag, sanitary pads, sanitary pad vending machine, drinking water, tables and chairs, storage shelves, indoor games, and an attached washroom with shower facilities. A dedicated Pink Teacher is available to provide guidance, counselling, and emotional support, helping students navigate both physical and mental well-being during this time.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Braja Kishore Pradhan, CEO & Founder of Aahwahan Foundation, said, “Our mission is to ensure that no girl is forced to miss school because of a natural biological process. For far too long, many young girls have silently struggled, missing classes or even dropping out simply because they did not have access to safe, private, and hygienic facilities during their menstrual cycle. The Pink Room is not just a facility-it is a space of dignity, care, and reassurance that every girl deserves in her school journey”
Mr. Senthil Kumar , Head Master of Avadi Corporation Higher Secondary School, Chennai, said, “This initiative will be very helpful for the growth and well-being of the girl students in our school. Furthermore, it will greatly help in preventing students from taking leave during their menstrual periods, thereby improving their regular attendance at school.“
The facility was inaugurated with the objective of creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for adolescent girls, especially those aged 10 to 18 who often miss school during menstruation due to lack of proper facilities and challenges related to hygiene and privacy. By addressing these critical gaps, the initiative aims to ensure that girls are not forced to stay away from classrooms during a natural phase of life, but instead feel supported to continue their education with dignity and confidence. Emphasizing the importance of creating safe, supportive, and dignified spaces for young girls, Gopa K, Vice President, NTT DATA, said, “ The Pink Room is not just a facility; it is a reassuring space where girls can find comfort, privacy, care, and peace of mind, ensuring that menstruation never becomes a barrier to their confidence, well-being, or education.”
The initiative brings together improved sanitation infrastructure and a specially designed Pink Room to provide girls with a secure space for rest, hygiene care, and emotional comfort during their menstrual cycle. Through this integrated approach, Aahwahan Foundation reaffirms its commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure while fostering dignity, health, and inclusivity within school environments. The newly inaugurated facility at a government school in Chennai stands as another meaningful step toward reducing absenteeism among girl students, preventing dropouts, and ensuring that every student can pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment.