Menstrual hygiene issues and period stigma in India continue to affect schoolgirls, leading to absenteeism, misinformation, and health consequences. The prevailing cultural taboos and restrictions surrounding menstruation have significant implications for adolescent girls’ education and well-being. A study revealed that a quarter of girls in India miss school due to menstruation, highlighting the pervasive impact of period-related challenges.
Experts point out that inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper washrooms, water supply, and menstrual hygiene management contribute to the difficulties faced by schoolgirls. The onset of menstruation is often seen as the beginning of fertility, prompting early marriages and further exacerbating absenteeism among girls. The reluctance to openly discuss menstruation perpetuates a culture of silence, hindering girls from seeking necessary support and information.
Moreover, the lack of access to sanitary products remains a pressing issue in many schools across India. Reports indicate that a significant percentage of adolescent women in rural areas struggle to obtain hygienic menstrual products. Despite some recognition of these challenges, there is a notable absence of a nationwide mandate ensuring the availability of sanitary products in schools, perpetuating the cycle of period-related challenges.
Field workers and activists emphasize the urgent need to reframe menstruation as a matter of health and human rights. Initiatives advocating for guaranteed access to sanitary products, clean washrooms, and open conversations about periods without shame are crucial in addressing the prevailing stigma and promoting menstrual equity.
Last year, the Supreme Court of India directed the government to develop a model policy on menstrual leave for female employees, marking a significant step towards policy-level change. However, despite such efforts, the ground reality indicates persistent challenges in addressing period stigma and ensuring menstrual health as a fundamental right.
Experts and activists stress the importance of shifting the narrative around menstruation to focus on health rather than societal taboos. By fostering open dialogue, promoting menstrual hygiene facilities, and advocating for better health-focused policies, India can work towards destigmatizing menstruation and empowering women and girls to manage their periods with dignity and autonomy.
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