AWARENESS OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE: DISPELLING TABOOS

Awareness of Menstrual Hygiene: Dispelling Taboos

Awareness of Menstrual Hygiene: Dispelling Taboos

Blog Article

Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet in many parts of India, including Pune, it remains shrouded in stigma and misinformation. Lack of awareness and access to proper menstrual hygiene products can lead to serious health risks, school dropouts, and social discrimination. Breaking menstrual taboos is crucial to ensuring that every girl and woman can manage her period with dignity, education, and the right resources.

In this blog, we explore how menstrual hygiene awareness initiatives in Pune are transforming lives, the challenges faced, and the steps needed to promote safe and healthy menstrual practices.

The Reality of Menstrual Hygiene in Pune

Key Statistics on Menstrual Hygiene in India and Pune



    • According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 57.6% of women in Maharashtra use hygienic menstrual products.



 


    • A 2019 report by UNICEF states that 1 in 5 girls drop out of school due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities.



 


    • In rural areas surrounding Pune, over 40% of adolescent girls lack access to sanitary napkins and resort to unhygienic alternatives.



 

These statistics highlight the urgent need for education, accessibility, and policy interventions to improve menstrual hygiene in Pune.

Challenges in Menstrual Hygiene Awareness

Cultural Taboos and Myths


    • Women are banned from temples, kitchens, and family gatherings during menstruation.



 


    • There is a widespread belief that menstrual blood is impure, reinforcing shame and isolation.



 


    • Lack of open discussions leads to misinformation and unhealthy practices.



 

Limited Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products


    • Many women in low-income communities cannot afford sanitary napkins or menstrual cups.



 


    • Distribution of affordable and eco-friendly menstrual products is still lacking.



 


    • Schools often lack proper disposal facilities, discouraging girls from attending during their periods.



 

Health Risks Due to Poor Menstrual Hygiene


    • Use of unsanitary materials like cloth, ash, or newspapers leads to infections and reproductive health issues.



 


    • Lack of awareness about menstrual disorders results in delayed diagnosis and treatment.



 

Steps Taken to Break the Menstrual Taboo in Pune

NGO Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns

Several NGOs, including Spherule Foundation, are actively working to spread menstrual hygiene awareness in Pune’s slums and rural areas. Their initiatives include:


    • Conducting awareness sessions in schools and communities.



 


    • Distributing free or subsidized sanitary pads.



 


    • Teaching girls about menstrual health and hygiene practices.



 

Government Programs and Policies

The Maharashtra government and local bodies have launched multiple programs to address menstrual hygiene:


    • The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) provides subsidized sanitary pads to adolescent girls.



 


    • School programs promote menstrual education and clean sanitation facilities.



 


    • Installation of sanitary napkin vending machines in public schools and workplaces.



 

Corporate and Community Engagement


    • Companies like Unicharm and Procter & Gamble have partnered with NGOs to distribute hygiene kits.



 


    • CSR initiatives focus on menstrual awareness, education, and sustainable menstrual product distribution.



 

Success Stories: Changing Lives Through Awareness

Case Study: Community-Led Change in Pune’s Slums

In Pune’s Rajabajar area, a local NGO collaborated with women-led self-help groups to conduct menstrual awareness workshops. The result:


    • 70% of participants switched to sanitary pads or menstrual cups.



 


    • A local woman-led sanitary pad manufacturing unit was established, providing employment and affordable hygiene products.



 


    • Men and boys were educated, reducing social stigma and increasing community support.



 

How You Can Contribute to Menstrual Hygiene Awareness

Support NGOs Working for the Cause


    • Donate to organizations like Spherule Foundation, which actively works in Pune.



 


    • Volunteer for awareness drives and distribution campaigns.



 

Educate and Spread Awareness


    • Talk about menstruation openly to break societal taboos.



 


    • Conduct awareness sessions in schools and communities.



 

Advocate for Policy Changes


    • Urge local authorities to improve school sanitation.



 


    • Support affordable and eco-friendly menstrual product distribution.



 

 

Menstrual Hygiene Awareness: Breaking Taboos in Pune


 

Introduction: Why Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Matters


Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet in many parts of India, including Pune, it remains shrouded in stigma and misinformation. Lack of awareness and access to proper menstrual hygiene products can lead to serious health risks, school dropouts, and social discrimination. Breaking menstrual taboos is crucial to ensuring that every girl and woman can manage her period with dignity, education, and the right resources.

In this blog, we explore how menstrual hygiene awareness initiatives in Pune are transforming lives, the challenges faced, and the steps needed to promote safe and healthy menstrual practices.

The Reality of Menstrual Hygiene in Pune


 

Key Statistics on Menstrual Hygiene in India and Pune


 


    • According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 57.6% of women in Maharashtra use hygienic menstrual products.



 


    • A 2019 report by UNICEF states that 1 in 5 girls drop out of school due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities.



 


    • In rural areas surrounding Pune, over 40% of adolescent girls lack access to sanitary napkins and resort to unhygienic alternatives.



 

These statistics highlight the urgent need for education, accessibility, and policy interventions to improve menstrual hygiene in Pune.

 

Challenges in Menstrual Hygiene Awareness


 

Cultural Taboos and Myths


 


    • Women are banned from temples, kitchens, and family gatherings during menstruation.



 


    • There is a widespread belief that menstrual blood is impure, reinforcing shame and isolation.



 


    • Lack of open discussions leads to misinformation and unhealthy practices.



 

 

Limited Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products


 


    • Many women in low-income communities cannot afford sanitary napkins or menstrual cups.



 


    • Distribution of affordable and eco-friendly menstrual products is still lacking.



 


    • Schools often lack proper disposal facilities, discouraging girls from attending during their periods.



 

 

Health Risks Due to Poor Menstrual Hygiene


 


    • Use of unsanitary materials like cloth, ash, or newspapers leads to infections and reproductive health issues.



 


    • Lack of awareness about menstrual disorders results in delayed diagnosis and treatment.



 

Steps Taken to Break the Menstrual Taboo in Pune


 

NGO Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns


Several NGOs, including Spherule Foundation, are actively working to spread menstrual hygiene awareness in Pune’s slums and rural areas. Their initiatives include:


    • Conducting awareness sessions in schools and communities.



 


    • Distributing free or subsidized sanitary pads.



 


    • Teaching girls about menstrual health and hygiene practices.



 

 

Government Programs and Policies


The Maharashtra government and local bodies have launched multiple programs to address menstrual hygiene:


    • The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) provides subsidized sanitary pads to adolescent girls.



 


    • School programs promote menstrual education and clean sanitation facilities.



 


    • Installation of sanitary napkin vending machines in public schools and workplaces.



 

 

Corporate and Community Engagement


 


    • Companies like Unicharm and Procter & Gamble have partnered with NGOs to distribute hygiene kits.



 


    • CSR initiatives focus on menstrual awareness, education, and sustainable menstrual product distribution.



 

Success Stories: Changing Lives Through Awareness


 

Case Study: Community-Led Change in Pune’s Slums


In Pune’s Rajabajar area, a local NGO collaborated with women-led self-help groups to conduct menstrual awareness workshops. The result:


    • 70% of participants switched to sanitary pads or menstrual cups.



 


    • A local woman-led sanitary pad manufacturing unit was established, providing employment and affordable hygiene products.



 


    • Men and boys were educated, reducing social stigma and increasing community support.



 

How You Can Contribute to Menstrual Hygiene Awareness


 

Support NGOs Working for the Cause


 


    • Donate to organizations like Spherule Foundation, which actively works in Pune.



 


    • Volunteer for awareness drives and distribution campaigns.



 

 

Educate and Spread Awareness


 


    • Talk about menstruation openly to break societal taboos.



 


    • Conduct awareness sessions in schools and communities.



 

 

Advocate for Policy Changes


 


    • Urge local authorities to improve school sanitation.



 


    • Support affordable and eco-friendly menstrual product distribution.



 

 

Report this page