Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Health Awareness for Adolescent Girls in India

Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by millions of adolescent girls across India every month. Yet, despite its universality, menstruation remains surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and neglect — especially in rural and underserved communities. Many adolescent girls lack basic knowledge about their menstrual cycle, access to safe sanitary products, and awareness of proper hygiene and disposal practices.

The Reality: Gaps in Knowledge and Access

Lack of Awareness about the Menstrual Cycle

A large proportion of adolescent girls in India have little or no understanding of what menstruation is, why it happens, or how to manage it safely. According to a UNICEF report, only about 30% of girls in rural India have adequate knowledge of menstrual hygiene before their first period. This gap leaves many girls scared, confused, and unprepared.

Limited Access to Sanitary Products

Affordable and hygienic menstrual products like sanitary pads are still out of reach for many, especially in rural areas. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) highlights that around 57% of women aged 15-24 use hygienic methods like sanitary napkins, but the percentage is much lower in poorer and remote regions.

Unsafe Disposal Practices

Used sanitary pads, if not disposed of properly, pose health and environmental risks. Many girls and women dispose of pads in open fields, water bodies, or burn them openly, which can cause pollution and spread infections.

Alternatives Like the Menstrual Cup Are Little Known

Menstrual cups (e.g., GynaeCup) are safe, reusable alternatives to pads and tampons, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. However, awareness about these products remains low, and social taboos often prevent open conversations about their use.

Why Menstrual Health Awareness Matters

• Health and Hygiene: Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to infections and reproductive health issues.

• Education: Many girls miss school during their periods due to lack of facilities or stigma.

• Empowerment: Understanding menstruation helps break taboos and empowers girls to take charge of their health.

• Environment: Safe disposal and sustainable alternatives reduce environmental harm.

  
  

What Can Be Done?

1. Comprehensive Menstrual Education

Schools and community programs must provide accurate, age-appropriate education about the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, and emotional support.

2. Improving Access to Sanitary Products

Government schemes like the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) subsidize sanitary napkins for adolescent girls in rural areas. Expanding these programs and ensuring last-mile delivery is crucial.

3. Promoting Safe Disposal

Awareness campaigns should teach proper disposal methods, such as using incinerators or biodegradable bags, to reduce environmental impact.

4. Introducing and Normalizing Alternatives

Promoting menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads through education and subsidies can offer affordable and eco-friendly choices. Training health workers and peer educators to discuss these options can help overcome social barriers.

5. Engaging Communities and Families

Involving parents, teachers, and community leaders can help break the stigma around menstruation and foster a supportive environment for adolescent girls

Menstrual health is not just a “women’s issue” — it’s a matter of public health, education, and human dignity. By spreading awareness and improving access to safe menstrual products, we can ensure every adolescent girl in India manages her periods with confidence, safety, and pride.