A woman’s menstrual health is essentially the most important aspect of her well-being, hence menstrual hygiene stands as a very crucial pedestal in her growth and development. Menstruation is associated with the onset of puberty in girls and many a times, it brings with it rules, restrictions, isolation and changed expectations from the girls by the society. This changed attitude towards girls such as restrictions on their self expressions, schooling, mobility and freedom has far reaching consequences on the mindset of women.
Menstruation is a huge taboo in India, so much so that women don’t even discuss it with their own daughters. This lack of information, knowledge and conversation creates a vacuum which makes it difficult for young girls to actually take care of themselves.
On a global level, at least 500 million women and girls lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. Lack of adequate information on sanitation and hygiene facilities, particularly in public places like schools, workplaces or health centres can pose a major obstacle to women and girls.
A large number of girls in many less economically stable families drop out of school when they begin menstruating. More than 77 per cent of menstruating girls and women in India use an old cloth, which is often reused, ashes, newspapers, dried leaves and husk sand during periods. Every person – male or female should be aware of the diseases that could be caused if a woman does not have access to menstrual hygiene products. The issue can increase a woman’s chances of contracting cervical cancer, Reproductive Tract Infections, Hepatitis B infection, various types of yeast infections and Urinary Tract Infection, to name a few.
Access to menstrual hygiene is not only important but a right to good health. With shocking and scary statistics, ZenanaForWomen is here to help you out and make life a little better. Stay tuned for our next blog on Menstrual Health Management!
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