In The News
Executive Summary
Menstruation, a natural process, heralds the most significant reproductive changes that women undergo at both Menarche and Menopause. What compounds the issue is the community-based taboos and restrictive myths along with inter-sectoral inadequacies. Our research builds an argument for unifying public policy, MHM, women’s rights, Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH), education, health, open discourse and advocacy. The report gives findings on community beliefs and taboos, corroborative evidence on MHM practices, and inter-sectoral correlations, as well as data on the engagement of women with health infrastructure and public policy. Based on observations from our qualitative and quantitative data, we present recommendations to the state and civil society regarding how women in India can move towards sustainable, healthy empowerment on MHM.
Methodology
The study focuses on women between the age group of 20-49 years. Although our research has mainly considered policy and healthcare gaps in MHM, WASH and the well-being of women, data on adolescent school-going girls has also been collected and analysed. We focused on approximately five villages each and diversely vulnerable communities in fourteen districts in seven states. We chose a mixed-methods design to allow detection, via open-ended interview questions, of unanticipated factors influencing the factors affecting menstrual hygiene while assessing inter-sectoral focus via analysis of survey responses.
MHM Programs
State Reports
Assam
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Assam research targets tea garden workers, suggesting inter-sectoral improvements...
The study in Niti Ayog's Aspirational Districts explored challenges in Menstrual Hygiene...
In Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund and Uttar Bastar (Kanker) districts, our study on Niti Ayog's...
Haryana
Maharashtra
Odisha
In Haryana, our research covered Nuh (Mewat) and Jhajjar districts, revealing MHM challenges...
Study in Maharashtra unveils vulnerabilities in migrant workers, farming...
In Odisha, our extensive study examined Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Malkangiri...
In Tamil Nadu, our study from April 2022 to February 2023 explored socio-economic...
Tamil Nadu
Lack Of Sanitation, Menstrual Hygiene Products At Schools Cause Girls’ Absenteeism...
New Delhi : Sulabh International President Kumar Dilip and others release a Comprehensive Report ...
Girls are fearful of using school toilets during menstruation, leading to absenteeism...
Latest News
The Way Forward
Integrating menstrual health management (MHM) into India’s public health policies is imperative, particularly for Elder and Aging Menstrual Women (20-49). This requires addressing unfair labour practices causing wage deductions and health complications, including rushed hysterectomies. Urgent measures involve enhancing awareness, providing better hygiene access, and improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Policy attention towards women’s well-being is crucial. The way forward involves engaging stakeholders and integrating MHM into community spaces, schools, and workplaces. Overcoming societal barriers demands positive discourse on menstruation and the inclusion of MHM in broader health programs, ensuring a dignified, safe, and empowered future for women.
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