Advancing Menstrual Health, Hygiene For Women & Adolescents In India

Menstrual health is integral to the well-being and holistic development of women and adolescent girls. Effective management of menstrual cycles requires access to affordable sanitary materials, comprehensive knowledge of best health practices, heightened awareness of menstrual hygiene, and sustainable disposal methods. As per the World Bank, knowledge building regarding menstrual hygiene is of utmost significance, to safeguard a woman’s dignity, safety, privacy, bodily integrity, and self-efficacy. 

While there's increased awareness, an estimated 500 million women worldwide lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management (MHM). 

Despite significant progress made in this direction, India still has a long way to go. Our governments are investing significantly across levels to build sensitisation, and resources and strengthening partnerships to bridge the current gaps. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data shows that up to 27% of young rural women still utilise unsanitary means of protection during their menstrual period. 57% of rural women and 50% of all respondents indicated they have used cloth for the purpose at some point. Women who had completed their education were found to be the most likely (90%) to employ hygienic procedures, compared to only 44% of women who had not completed their education.

When women do not have access to safe and affordable menstrual products to manage their menstruation, they face an increased risk of infections. This can have cascading effects on overall sexual and reproductive health, potentially leading to serious conditions such as reproductive and urinary tract infections which may contribute to future infertility and birth complications. 

Spreading awareness regarding informed product choice is a must

Despite the availability of various menstrual health management options, a significant number of women in India, particularly those from lower-income families, rely on using old cotton cloth during their periods. This method, rooted in tradition, has been a longstanding and convenient choice for many women across generations.

There are several product choices available in the market, which include menstrual cups, tampons, cloth pads, and sanitary napkins. However, it is imperative that women remain aware of the product options available in terms of their affordability, accessibility, and quality, alongside the availability of safe disposal methods, to ensure that they are making informed choices. 

Given the serious nature of the environmental impact of commercially produced pads, several organisations are also beginning to introduce environment-friendly, bio-degradable sanitary pads. 

Focus on environment-friendly methods of disposal for sustainable waste management 

Many women and girls in India still lack sufficient access to suitable disposal facilities, particularly in schools and rural communities.

This often results in young girls and women adopting unhygienic menstruation practices, such as prolonging the use of a single pad or cloth for the whole day, leading to potential issues like rashes or vaginal infections. Additionally, they might choose to dispose of used pads in open spaces, creating health hazards for individuals residing in that vicinity, while additionally impacting the WASH facilities negatively. One way of ensuring sustainable waste management is through the usage of incinerators, which are an environment-friendly and cost-effective way to dispose of menstrual waste. 

The Government in India has taken several initiatives to ensure access and availability of menstrual products and hygiene practices. Case in point, the Supreme Court’s initiative directing the centre to engage all states to ensure that a uniform national policy is implemented relating to sanitary pads for school-going girls.

The concerted efforts undertaken by both the government and various stakeholders including NGOs signify a notable step forward in addressing the critical issue of menstrual hygiene management. By ensuring access to menstrual products, disseminating essential information, and implementing policies like the directive for a uniform national policy on sanitary pads for school-going girls, we are moving from mere awareness to tangible action. Initiatives such as awareness workshops and schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janausadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) further underscore the country’s commitment to promoting menstrual health and hygiene.

We must persevere in advancing these efforts to ensure that every woman is equipped with the necessary knowledge about menstrual hygiene, access to environmentally sustainable disposal methods, and affordable, high-quality products. By promoting informed decision-making based on product availability and hygienic disposal practices, we can cultivate a culture of accountability and reverence towards menstrual hygiene. Through these comprehensive endeavours, we can genuinely safeguard the well-being and dignity of all women.

Authored by Hemalatha Patil, State Programme Director, WaterAid India