Women Health: What efforts can be made for menstrual hygiene in rural India

Menstrual hygiene remains a serious issue, especially in rural communities. Here cultural beliefs, lack of education, ignorance, and suffering increase. According to a study, about 55% of girls aged 11 to 16 years in tribal areas of central India are not fully prepared for menstruation, due to which they have to face physical and mental problems.

Dr. Chandra Nivas Shandilya, MBBS, explains that due to this ignorance and social stigma, 65.86% of girls drop out of school due to menstrual problems, which hinders their education and promotes poverty and inequality.

It is important to teach hygiene

The effect of hormonal changes during adolescence is further aggravated by social misconceptions. To deal with this, it is important to spread awareness in the community, provide access to sanitary napkins, and teach methods of their safe disposal. Doing this can significantly improve hygiene standards and reduce menstrual-related diseases.  

Get involved in school education 

According to experts, it is important to include menstrual hygiene education in the school curriculum from class VI onwards so that both girls and boys are given the knowledge to support their peers and challenge harmful stereotypes.

The government is also running initiative

The National Health Commission's menstrual hygiene schemes are playing a vital role in reducing period poverty. Subsidized sanitary napkins and distribution programs under these schemes have made menstrual products more affordable and accessible to underprivileged communities. This helps us ensure that every girl can manage menstruation with dignity and fulfill her aspirations without any hindrance. 

It is necessary to break old concepts

Socio-cultural norms also need to change. Breaking the silence and challenging assumptions can create supportive environments where girls can manage their menstruation with confidence. 

Menstrual hygiene remains a serious issue, especially in rural communities. Here cultural beliefs, lack of education, ignorance, and suffering increase. According to a study, about 55% of girls aged 11 to 16 years in tribal areas of central India are not fully prepared for menstruation, due to which they have to face physical and mental problems.