In a recent survey conducted by Youth Ki Awaaz (YKA), over 11,000 respondents provided valuable insights into the realm of menstrual awareness. Gender dynamics were pronounced, with females comprising the majority at 74.3%, followed by males at 22%. Among these respondents, a significant portion identified as menstruators, highlighting the importance of understanding menstrual health across all demographics.
Despite the widespread recognition of menstruation as a biological process by 97.3% of respondents, concerns about gaps in knowledge persist. Shockingly, 11% admitted to having no prior understanding of menstruation, while 18.8% expressed confusion. A notable 2% attributed menstruation to abnormalities, disease, or divine curses, underscoring prevalent misconceptions that perpetuate stigma.
Men and women both learn about menstruation from their mothers
Mothers emerged as the primary educators on menstruation, shaping the initial understanding of both male and female respondents. However, gender disparities were evident in alternative sources of information, with men showing a higher reliance on the internet and social media. This highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to bridge the gap in menstrual awareness between genders.
Older people find it hard to talk about menstruation
Comfort levels in discussing menstruation varied among respondents, with a significant portion preferring discussions exclusively with female family members. Additionally, disparities in accessing menstrual hygiene products were apparent, with men facing more discomfort in purchasing such items. These challenges underscore the importance of fostering open dialogue and breaking societal taboos surrounding menstruation.
When we observe the responses through gender and age, we find that fewer older people are ready to discuss menstruation in the family in comparison to younger people. This gap is even more profound in males than in females. Among both females and males, it is clearly observable that as the age increases, an individual is less likely to discuss menstruation. On the contrary, younger people, especially in the age brackets of 18-22 and 23-25 are most comfortable in speaking about menstruation (irrespective of gender)
Men are more uncomfortable in purchasing sanitary products
72.7% of the respondents were always able to buy MHM products from stores. This number is higher for females than for males. On the other hand, among all men, 24% of men couldn’t purchase sanitary materials because they felt really uncomfortable to do so while this was the case with only 2% of females. 14% of females, however, were able to purchase sanitary products from the store even though they felt shy and ashamed.
Other sources say the same on lack of menstrual awareness
Beyond the YKA survey, broader data underscores the global challenges and initiatives in menstrual health. In India, there has been a significant increase in awareness and initiatives regarding menstruation and period healthAccording to a report on menstrual health in India by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 71% of girls report having no knowledge of menstruation before their first period, highlighting a significant gap in awareness among young girls. Only about 23% of girls knew that the uterus is the source of bleeding during menstruation, indicating a lack of understanding about the physiological aspects of menstruation.
Initiatives by government do work
Between 2005 and 2010, the government integrated Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) into various health programs, leading to a rise in menstrual product usage from 15% in 2010 to 78% in 2019-21. The government has also implemented schemes like the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme and the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram to distribute sanitary napkins and increase awareness. However, despite these efforts, there are still challenges such as limited knowledge, misconceptions, and inadequate access to quality menstrual products.
By breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and fostering open conversations, we can dismantle taboos, empower individuals, and ensure menstrual health for all. From challenging misconceptions to promoting inclusive policies, collective efforts are essential in navigating towards a more informed and supportive society for menstruators worldwide.