Menstrual hygiene is an essential part of women’s health, yet many people across rural and urban areas in India still struggle to manage their period effectively. In this blog, we’ll delve into the definition of menstrual hygiene, explore the challenges women face in different settings, and highlight initiatives and solutions to improve menstrual hygiene management.
What Is Menstrual Hygiene?
Menstrual hygiene isn’t just access to period products. It involves having the means to manage menstruation safely and comfortably, which includes:
- Access to appropriate products such as pads, menstrual cups, period underwear or reusable cloth pads.
- Availability of clean water for washing and sanitation.
- Private, clean, and functional toilet facilities.
- Education about menstrual health and hygiene to debunk myths and empower individuals.
Menstrual hygiene is about ensuring safety, health, and dignity for people who menstruate.
Challenges Faced in Rural Areas
Women and girls in rural areas face significant barriers to managing their menstrual health, including:
-
Lack of Access: In many remote areas, sanitary napkins and other menstrual products are often hard to find or too expensive. As a result, women sometimes resort to using unhygienic alternatives like old cloth.
-
Sanitation Issues: Many rural communities do not have access to running water or clean toilets, which makes it challenging to maintain proper hygiene during menstruation.
-
Cultural Stigma: Long-standing taboos and myths surrounding menstruation create a sense of shame, hindering open conversations and restricting access to necessary resources.
-
Lack of Education: A lack of knowledge about menstrual health contributes to unhealthy practices and spreads misinformation.
- Poverty: Financial constraints prevent many families from purchasing menstrual products or accessing sanitation facilities.
Challenges Faced in Urban Areas
While urban areas may have better infrastructure, menstrual hygiene challenges persist:
- Sanitation in Public Spaces: Clean and private toilets are frequently lacking in workplaces, schools, and public areas, especially in low-income neighbourhoods.
- Waste Management: The disposal of menstrual waste poses a major environmental challenge in densely populated urban settings.
- Affordability: Even in urban areas, the cost of period products can be prohibitively high for some women, forcing them to turn to unsafe alternatives.
- Time Constraints: The fast-paced nature of urban life often sidelines the importance of menstrual hygiene and health.
- Misinformation: Despite improved access to information, damaging myths about menstruation continue to persist.
Initiatives to Improve Menstrual Hygiene Across India
Efforts to address menstrual hygiene challenges include government schemes, NGO activities, and individual contributions.
Government Programs
- Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS): Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this programme focuses on providing affordable sanitary napkins to adolescent girls in rural areas while raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and safe disposal practices.
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): This initiative offers affordable sanitary products through Janaushadhi Kendras across India.
-
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: This nationwide campaign includes improvements in sanitation infrastructure that benefit menstrual hygiene management.
NGO Efforts
Non-profit organisations are addressing menstrual hygiene challenges by:
- Distribution of Reusable Products: NGOs are promoting sustainable options like menstrual cups and cloth pads.
- Education and Awareness: Conducting workshops and creating resources to dispel myths and teach proper hygiene practices.
- Sanitation Infrastructure: Building toilets in schools and communities to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
-
Empowerment Initiatives: Supporting women’s groups to lead discussions and advocate for menstrual health.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contributions
- Product Donations: Companies are providing free or discounted menstrual products to marginalised communities.
- Awareness Campaigns: Businesses are using their platforms to promote open dialogue about menstruation.
-
Employee Engagement: Encouraging participation in menstrual hygiene initiatives.
Sustainability Efforts
With growing concern about the environmental impact of menstrual waste, many initiatives are promoting biodegradable pads, menstrual cups, and cloth pads as sustainable and affordable alternatives.
Health Risks of Poor Menstrual Hygiene
Inadequate menstrual hygiene practices can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Caused by prolonged use of unclean or damp products.
- Reproductive Tract Infections: Resulting from poor hygiene and lack of sanitation facilities.
- Skin Irritations: Caused by using unhygienic or inappropriate materials.
Inclusion of Adolescents
Educating young girls about menstrual hygiene is crucial to empower them and reduce stigma. Schools play a vital role in:
- Teaching proper hygiene practices.
- Eliminating myths and misconceptions early.
- Building confidence among young girls to manage their periods with dignity.
Role of Men and Boys
It’s essential to involve men and boys in menstrual hygiene education to create and ensure the continuation of a supportive environment around menstruation. This helps to:
- Reduce stigma and foster understanding.
- Encourage male family members to support women in accessing resources.
- Break taboos and normalise open discussions about menstruation.
Cultural Sensitivity
While promoting menstrual hygiene, it’s important to adopt culturally sensitive approaches that respect traditional practices. Balancing respect for traditions with the promotion of safe and hygienic methods ensures better acceptance and participation.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
Enhancing menstrual hygiene demands a united effort from all parts of society. Important areas to concentrate on include:
- Accessibility and Affordability: Making sure that everyone can obtain affordable, high-quality menstrual products.
- Sanitation Infrastructure: Constructing clean, private restrooms and guaranteeing access to water in schools, workplaces, and public areas.
- Education: Broadening menstrual hygiene education to reach both girls and boys.
- Stigma Reduction: Normalising menstruation through open dialogue and awareness campaigns.
- Sustainability: Encouraging the use of eco-friendly menstrual products to address environmental concerns.
By working together—through government initiatives, NGO efforts, corporate responsibility, and individual actions—we can build a future where menstrual hygiene is no longer a challenge, but a basic right for all.
Source :
The Wire - Menstrual Hygiene Day
BMC Public Health - Menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent women in rural India
Menstrual Hygiene Scheme(MHS)
