PODA trained BHU staff on Early marriages risks in Jhelum

December 7,2023: PODA under the project Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality (REMs) organized an awareness workshop to train Lady Health Workers in Basic Health Unit of Phulrey Syedan, a union council of jhelum district in Punjab. Lady health workers were informed and engaged in learning about the harmful consequences of early marriage on a girl’s health and well being. They expressed determination about supporting the proposal to align the minimum age of marriage for girls with the age on their ID cards. During the workshop, Nabila Aslam, the lead facilitator from PODA, addressed the issue of anemia in pregnant women and stressed the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, and dry fruits. She also stressed the significance of incorporating wheat bran into their diets. During the session, she emphasized the crucial role of including wheat bran in the dough rather than sifting it with the flour. Moreover, the discussion also covered the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2015, enlightening the attendees about the legal age of 18 years required for issuance of national identity cards, which holds great significance. Additionally, the female participants brought attention to the harmful misconceptions surrounding menstruation in society. These misguided beliefs can negatively impact the health and reproductive well-being of girls due to poor diets during their periods, leading to serious health conditions such as anemia.