World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024: Why Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Needs A Boost

Every woman deserves good health. Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet social stigma and lack of awareness create unnecessary challenges, especially for young girls and women in rural India. This critical aspect of women’s health often goes overlooked. Despite strides in healthcare and education, many young girls and women still face significant challenges regarding menstrual hygiene management. Amrutanjan Comfy discusses 09 reasons why prioritizing menstrual hygiene awareness is crucial:

1. Empowering Girls, Educating WomenPeriods shouldn’t hold girls back from reaching their full potential. Open communication and education about menstrual hygiene dismantle the silence and shame. This empowers girls to manage their periods with confidence, allowing them to continue their education without missing out.
2. Early Education is KeyWhile most girls get their periods between 10 and 15, some can start as early as 8 or 9. By talking openly about periods with the young girls, we can prepare them for the changes ahead and dispel any anxieties. This early education empowers them to manage their periods with confidence.
3. Improved Health and SanitationUnsanitary practices during menstruation lead to health problems like UTIs and reproductive issues. Promoting proper hygiene practices, like using clean sanitary products and safe disposal methods, ensures girls stay healthy and avoid preventable illnesses.
4. Breaking the StigmaSilence surrounding periods fuels myths and misconceptions. Openly discussing menstrual hygiene normalizes periods and encourages girls to seek information and address concerns.
5. Creating a Supportive EnvironmentPrioritizing menstrual hygiene awareness creates a more supportive environment for girls and women. Schools, communities, and families can work together to ensure access to clean toilets, sanitary disposal facilities, and affordable sanitary products.
6. School Attendance and Completion RatesPeriod-related challenges often lead to school absenteeism, impacting a girl’s education and future prospects. Menstrual hygiene awareness and access to sanitary products can significantly improve school attendance and completion rates.
7. Increased National ProductivityWhen women manage their periods comfortably and hygienically, they are healthier and more present at work. This translates to a more productive workforce and a stronger national economy.
8. Reduced Gender DisparityLack of menstrual hygiene management disproportionately affects girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Investing in awareness programs promotes gender equality by ensuring all girls have access to proper hygiene and education.
9. Building a Healthier FutureBy prioritizing menstrual hygiene awareness, we invest in the health and well-being of girls and women, paving the way for a healthier future for generations to come.The Call to Action: A Shared ResponsibilityMenstrual hygiene awareness is not just a women’s issue; it’s a societal concern. Schools, communities, families, and yes, even India Inc. all have a role to play. By working together, we can break the silence, dismantle the stigma, and empower girls and women to embrace their periods with confidence. Championing menstrual hygiene can create a future where every woman can manage her period with dignity and good health. India Inc. has a crucial role to play in driving this positive change. Investing in menstrual hygiene awareness initiatives demonstrates a commitment to women’s health and well-being, and fosters a positive social impact.

   Let’s work together to break the silence and create a future where every girl can manage her period with dignity and confidence.