Shipra Foundation | NGO in Odisha | Menstrual Health in India

Empower. Educate. Embrace

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The Silent Struggles of Menstrual Health in India

Menstrual health and hygiene are fundamental to the well-being of girls and women, yet they remain significant public health challenges. In India, this natural biological process is frequently complicated by stigma, misinformation, and a lack of essential resources, impacting education, dignity, and overall quality of life.

Urgent Need of Menstrual Health Education and Access

A significant disparity exists in menstrual hygiene practices among young women in India. National data reveals that only a fraction, specifically 64.4% of women aged 15-24, utilize sanitary napkins. The remaining population resorts to unhygienic alternatives, such as cloth, which poses a substantial risk of infections and long-term reproductive health complications (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2020). This problem is further intensified in rural and underserved areas as highlighted by a 2023 study in BMC Women’s Health, where accessibility to menstrual hygiene products is severely limited (Meher & Sahoo, 2023), leading to a higher prevalence of unsafe menstrual practices.

Inadequate menstrual health management has severe consequences, leading to significant educational setbacks for girls and impacting gender equality. WaterAid India reports that 23 million of girls drop out of school annually due to lack of access to sanitary products and proper sanitation(India Today, 2019). Globally, UNICEF emphasizes that menstrual hygiene is fundamentally linked to education, gender equality, and dignity. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, both international organizations and the Indian Supreme Court have highlighted the urgent need for improved menstrual hygiene policies and practices.

Addressing Menstrual Health Inequities: Garima

To address the pressing issues and challenges faced by adolescent girls, Xavier Institute of Social Action (XISA) and Shipra Sustainable Development Foundation (Shipra Foundation) propose to launch of the "Garima" campaign. This transformative initiative aims to empower around 2,00,000 schoolgirls across key states in India, including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana.

What Are Our Campaign Goals?

The "My Period, My Pride" campaign aims to empower adolescent girls through comprehensive menstrual health and hygiene management education and support.
It will provide counseling, awareness, and knowledge to both boys and girls, promoting healthy practices and reducing stigma.
The initiative focuses on creating supportive school environments, changing behaviors towards safer menstrual practices, and providing girls with access to menstrual hygiene choices.
Crucially, the "Man in Menstruation" component will educate boys about menstruation, fostering understanding and challenging misconceptions.

What Are Our Campaign Objectives?

To provide counselling. awareness and knowledge to adolescent boys and girls;

To promote healthy Menstrual Health Management (MHM) practices among adolescent girls;

To reduce stigma and misconceptions associated with menstruation;

To create a supportive school environment for menstrual health;

To change the behaviour among girls and women to adopt safer and healthier practices during menstruation;

To provide adolescent girls with menstrual hygiene management choices and

To educate boys about menstruation through the component of man in menstruation.

Alignments of campaign with other concerns

The Campaign's Reach and Effect

We will utilize the following intervention strategies

Counselling and Awareness Campaign

The campaign will reach approximately 200,000 adolescent students, both girls and boys, through interactive workshops and discussions, aiming to educate them on menstrual health and hygiene. A key objective is to dismantle the stigma and taboos associated with menstruation by promoting open dialogue within schools and communities.

Pad Distribution

A key component of the initiative involves distributing sanitary pad packets to over 100,000 school girls, empowering them to maintain hygienic menstrual practices.

Digital Outreach

Leverage digital platforms to distribute educational materials, practical advice, and resources on menstrual health, utilizing social media for impactful campaigns that amplify positive messaging and broaden reach.

Methodology & Implementation

To ensure effective implementation, trained counselors and trainers will lead workshops and sessions. State-level inaugural events, strategically located in capital cities or other high-visibility areas, will maximize campaign reach.

Important Stakeholder

Key stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and media outlets, will be actively engaged throughout the campaign.

Expected Outcomes

Our Campaign's Geographic Focus

To create a meaningful difference, the ‘Garima’ initiative will be implemented across eight key states in India, ensuring widespread awareness and support.

Rajasthan

Jharkand

Bihar

Odisha

Madhya Pradesh

Chhattisgarh

West Bengal

Telangana

Advisory Body

Hon. Shri Vivek Tankha

Senior Advocate & Member of Rajya Sabha, New Delhi

Mrs. Poonam Ben Jat

Ex-Member of Parliament, Kutch

Ms. Vasundhara Tankha

Vice President Investor Relations at Wavemaker Partners, Singapore & Former LSR, LSE, Morgan Stanley and PayPal

Prof. Dr. Deepak K Behera

Former Vice Chancellor, KISS University Bhubaneswar Sambalpur University Berhampur University Fakir Mohan University, Bolangir

Prof. Dr. Gita Bajaj

Director, OD & Business Transformation, VINSAK Digital Printing Solutions, Dubai & Former Professor MDI, Gurgaon, Visiting Professor IIM Sambalpur

Mr. Aditya Nair

Celebrity Tarot Reader & Motivational Speaker, New Delhi

Mrs. Anitha Rao

Former International Airhostess, Social Activist, Menstrual Hygiene Advisor Founder Director, Sakriya Charitable Trust, Bangalore

Prof. Dr. Ranju Hansini Sahoo

Indira Gandhi National University, Amarkantak

Sr. Innamma JMJ

Principal, JMJ Degree College, Kurnool

Prof. Dr. Usha Gupta

Former HoD Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur

Dr. Fr. Ranjit Tigga SJ

Provincial, Society of Jesus, Madhya Pradesh Province, Bilaspur

Fr. Binod Toppo SJ

Director, Xavier Institute of Social Action, Raipur

Organisers

Dr. Fr. Alfred Toppo SJ

Xavier Institute of Social Action (XISA),
Vidhan Sabha Road, Amaseoni,
Post: GSITI, Via – MCF, Raipur - 493111
Chhattisgarh, India

https://xisa.in/

Dr. Mehul Chauhan

Shipra Sustainable Development Foundation,
Qtr. LII 70, Ground Floor, SRIT Colony,
Budharaja, Sambalpur - 768004
Odisha, India

https://shiprafoundation.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is menstruation?

Bleeding from your uterus that happens about once a month.

How long does a typical menstrual cycle last?

Around 28 days, but it can vary.

What are the common symptoms of menstruation?

Cramps, bloating, mood swings, and headaches.

How do I dispose of sanitary products properly?

Wrap them in paper and put them in a trash bin; don’t flush them.

What are period cramps and how can I relieve them?

Pain in your lower belly; try heat, light exercise, or pain relievers.

What are the first period signs?

White discharge, breast growth, and pubic hair.

What age do girls get their periods?

Usually between 10 and 16 years old.

Who can I talk to about my period?

A parent, older sister, teacher, or school nurse.

How long does a first period last?

It can be different for everyone, but usually 2-7 days.