Menstrual hygiene is an important aspect of women's health, but lots of people in rural and city areas in India still struggle with it. In this article, we'll talk about how menstrual hygiene is different across regions, and look at the problems people face and how we're trying to make things better.
Let's break it down and see what's going on!
What is menstrual hygiene?
Menstrual hygiene is an important part of taking care of your health and managing your period in a way that keeps you safe, clean, healthy, and comfortable during menstruation. It means having the right products (like pads or period underwear), having access to clean water and bathrooms, and knowing how to take care of yourself during this period.
Challenges rural and urban areas face with menstrual hygiene
Let's talk about the challenges women face when it comes to maintaining hygiene and cleanliness during menstruation. Whether women live in rural villages or bustling cities, there are obstacles that make it tough to manage menstruation in the most optimal manner.
Challenges Faced in Rural Areas:
The complexity of solving for access to menstrual products and menstrual hygiene is a tough one due to some of these reasons:
- Access to products: Pads, etc are often unavailable or unaffordable, hence making it difficult to find alternatives to existing hacky solutions like regular cloth.
- Sanitation: Lack of clean water and private toilets makes it difficult to manage periods hygienically.
- Cultural Stigma: India is deep-seeded with cultural beliefs and taboos that create shame and prevent open discussion about menstruation, hence making it even tougher to ask for basic hygiene solutions.
- Lack of Education: The limited knowledge about periods has led to unhealthy practices and misconceptions amongst Indian women making it difficult to truly treat this cycle as one that needs importance to manage.
- Wide Poverty: Financial constraints are a huge barrier to access to products, proper sanitation, and healthcare.
Challenges Faced in Urban Areas:
Urbanisation of Indian cities is not necessarily an indicator of improvements in menstrual management and care. Issues in rural and urban areas tend to overlap:
- Affordability: Period products can be expensive, creating a barrier for some women.
- Sanitation: Clean and private bathroom facilities are not always readily available, particularly in some neighbourhoods or public spaces.
- Misinformation: Despite greater access to information, harmful myths and misconceptions about menstruation persist.
- Time constraints: Busy urban lifestyles can make it difficult to prioritize menstrual health and hygiene.
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Waste management: Proper disposal of menstrual waste poses environmental challenges in densely populated urban areas.
Initiatives to Improve Menstrual Hygiene Across India
Indian women face significant challenges in menstrual hygiene management, especially in rural areas and among marginalized communities. However, with growing recognition of this issue, here are some initiatives underway to improve the situation,
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1. Government Programs:
- Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS): Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this scheme aims to increase awareness and access to sanitary napkins among adolescent girls in rural areas. It also promotes safe disposal practices.
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): This scheme makes affordable sanitary napkins available through Janaushadhi Kendras across the country.
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Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: This nationwide cleanliness campaign includes components focused on improving sanitation facilities, which is crucial for menstrual hygiene management.
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2. Non-Profit Organizations:
Many NGOs are working on the ground to:
- Increase access to affordable products: Distributing sanitary napkins, promoting reusable options like menstrual cups, and supporting local manufacturing initiatives.
- Improve sanitation facilities: Building toilets in schools and communities, advocating for better water and sanitation infrastructure.
- Provide education and awareness: Conducting workshops, creating educational materials, and challenging stigma and misconceptions around menstruation.
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Empower women and girls: Supporting self-help groups, promoting leadership and advocacy, and creating safe spaces for discussion and support.
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3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives:
Several companies are contributing to menstrual hygiene initiatives through:
- Product donations and discounts: Providing free or subsidized sanitary napkins to underprivileged communities.
- Awareness campaigns: Using their platforms to spread awareness and challenge social stigma.
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Employee engagement: Encouraging employees to volunteer and support menstrual hygiene initiatives.
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4. Individual Efforts:
Individuals can also make a difference by:
- Donating to NGOs: Supporting organizations working to improve menstrual hygiene.
- Spreading awareness: Talking openly about menstruation and challenging harmful stereotypes.
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Volunteering time: Participating in awareness campaigns or supporting local initiatives.
Key areas for continued focus:
- Accessibility and affordability: Ensuring all people who menstruate have access to affordable and appropriate menstrual products.
- Sanitation: Improving sanitation facilities, particularly in schools, public spaces, and rural areas.
- Education: Providing comprehensive menstrual hygiene education to both girls and boys, starting at a young age.
- Stigma reduction: Challenging social stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation through open dialogue and awareness campaigns.
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Sustainability: Promoting environmentally friendly menstrual products and disposal methods.
By working together, the government, NGOs, corporations, and individuals can create a more supportive and enabling environment for menstrual hygiene management across India, contributing to the health, well-being, and empowerment of women and girls.
Sources :
The Wire - Menstrual Hygiene Day
BMC Public Health - Menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent women in rural India
