Menstruation is a normal part in most women’s life, at any given time 300 million menstruators worldwide are menstruating but many women in India struggle to manage this monthly occurrence. 88% of women who menstruate use unsafe materials, 66% of girls are unaware about menstruation before their first period, 70% mothers think periods are dirty and 66% women manage their periods without a toilet, even in today’s time menstruation is associated with shame and women are hesitant to discuss this issue. The lack of information about menstruation leads to unhygienic and unhealthy menstrual practices.
Girls tend to leave school at an early age due to menstruation, access to safe and affordable menstrual products does not only protect their health but also helps to improve their access to education which in turn would help them have better job opportunities and financial independence. Women feel shame for menstruating and the stigma around periods prevents individuals from talking about it.
Many cultures see menstruation as dirty and something that people should hide, in rural areas it is embedded with myths and taboos, it is perceived as dirty and impure and menstruating women have to follow a strict set of rules and regulations. Schools tend to not fill this gap either and this topic is rarely discussed in the classroom. In conclusion, we need to spread awareness about menstruation and fight the stigmas associated with menstruation and to give women more opportunities and help to make this world a safer place for women.