Periods, Puberty & Family Planning: Breaking Taboos | Ft. Country Director PSI

In this podcast, host Maham Khalid talks with Ayesha Leghari, Country Director at PSI (Population Services International), about topics that are often ignored in Pakistan.They discuss why sex education is still a taboo, how it can prevent harassment, and why awareness is missing at both school and community levels. The conversation also touches on the difference between sex education and pornography, and how a digital ecosystem can help improve hygiene and sexual health awareness.Ayesha shares her insights on menstrual health, the challenges of puberty, and how both psychologists and gynecologists play a role in guiding people. They also discuss contraceptive methods, religious and cultural taboos, and the backlash people face when speaking about these issues.The discussion moves towards Pakistan’s population crisis, the reality of hidden abortions, the importance of family planning, and how working women face challenges around childbirth. Ayesha also explains PSI’s global mission and how it works at the local level to make an impact.