We're living in 2024, and yet a 14-year-old girl recently died by suicide because she allegedly couldn't handle the "stress" that came with her first period. As per police reports, the girl had no knowledge about menstruation, and even though her mother had informed her that it was ‘normal,’ she went on to take the drastic step.
The incident that took place on March 26 in Mumbai's Malad not only highlighted the lack of menstrual health awareness in the country but also renewed conversations around how important menstrual health education is.
This World Health Day 2024, the OnlyMyHealth team got into an exclusive conversation with Meenal Patole, Director of Programme, WaterAid India, to discuss the importance and power of educating young girls and women about menstrual health and understand why it is crucial to debunk myths and break stereotypes around the same.
The Role of Menstrual Health Education
According to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), more than 100 crore people worldwide menstruate every month. In India alone, there are more than 35.5 crore menstruating women and girls, many of whom continue to have little to no access to proper menstrual products and the education needed to use them effectively.
Patole says, "Menstrual health education plays a pivotal role in reshaping societal attitudes towards menstruation and fostering improved hygiene practices. By debunking myths and dispelling misconceptions, education nurtures a culture of acceptance and understanding regarding menstruation.”
It is unfortunate to know that menstruation, which is a natural process in the life of every woman, affects attendance and participation in education for girls around the world. According to World Bank data, a study conducted by UNESCO found that one in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa missed school while on their period. Another study in India reported that as many as 1 in 5 girls drop out of school after they get their period.
“By providing menstrual hygiene education, we break the cycle of poverty, enabling girls to attend school regularly without being hindered by menstruation-related challenges. This education empowers women to make informed decisions regarding their health, leading to the formation of healthier families and communities,” Patole asserts.
She adds, “Our efforts extend to economic and social spheres, promoting greater gender equality, which is a cornerstone of overall societal progress and a key component of SDG 5. Through our initiatives, WaterAid India is committed to advocating for comprehensive hygiene education, thus contributing to the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and driving positive change across communities and society as a whole.”
Understanding Period Poverty And What Can Be Done
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Period poverty refers to the lack of access to several essential things related to menstruation. This includes not having enough money to buy pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. It also means not having access to clean and private toilets and facilities to wash and change products. Additionally, it involves a lack of education on menstrual hygiene, which can lead to health problems and a sense of embarrassment.
Data suggests that around 50% of women in India still use menstrual cloth during their periods. Only around 1.7% have access to products like tampons, and just 0.3% use menstrual cups.
According to Patole, this can be tackled with the help of policy changes and governmental support.
She says, "Government subsidies are essential; making menstrual products tax-free or offering subsidised options can significantly enhance access for those facing economic challenges. Furthermore, integrating menstrual hygiene products into school supply programs especially in rural areas, ensures that girls have the necessary resources to manage their periods effectively, thereby promoting their educational opportunities.
However, she notes that the focus remains on the critical investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
"Adequate provision of clean water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities is fundamental for ensuring proper hygiene management, particularly during menstruation. By prioritising these initiatives, we can make significant strides towards ending period poverty and advancing menstrual equity for all individuals," she highlights.
‘Sustainability Is Crucial’
When resources are scarce, managing menstruation safely requires prioritising several factors, according to Patole.
She encourages the use of affordable menstrual products, such as pads or cloth liners, to ensure everyone can access what they need.
She strongly believes that sustainability is of utmost importance, with reusable options like menstrual cups being advocated for their long-term cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact. She emphasises that ensuring access to clean water for sanitation, particularly for reusable products, is essential and that prioritising comfort and safety by carefully evaluating the material and fit of the product aligns with WaterAid India's dedication to promoting proper menstrual hygiene management.
Additionally, by disseminating knowledge on sustainable practices, such as proper disposal of menstrual hygiene products and advocating for safe sanitation practices, we not only protect the environment but also foster enduring community health and resilience, she adds.
Breaking Stereotypes Together
If the goal is to bring about change, coming together as a community and working towards that change is crucial.
Patole says, “Destigmatizing menstruation requires a collective effort, with communities and individuals joining hands to break the silence and dispel harmful myths. Open dialogue serves as a cornerstone, and educational campaigns play a crucial role in this endeavour, as workshops and awareness drives educate girls, boys, and communities about menstrual health and hygiene, fostering a culture of acceptance and support.”
She also advocates for positive media representation, wherein accurate portrayals of menstruation in media can help break negative stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive and empowered narrative.
“Through concerted efforts in menstrual health education and WASH initiatives, WaterAid India envisions a world where menstruation is destigmatized, contributing to the promotion of health, dignity, and equality for all individuals,” she concludes.