Period Poverty: Breaking the Chain of Illiteracy and Empowering Women.

It’s 2023, and in many parts of the world, the topic of menstruation is still kept under wraps. Social shame and cultural stigma often make it a taboo subject for discussion.

A Starting Point of Illiteracy:  

Imagine a conversation between a mother and her young daughter, who just started menstruating:

Voice of the Unheard:

While our conversation is fictional, it mirrors a concerning reality. An actual survey revealed that a staggering 71% of girls in India lack awareness about menstruation until they experience their first period.

Additionally, a lack of awareness about menstruation leads to the use of unhygienic measures such as hay, ash, husk, and sand, which can cause serious reproductive tract infections.

Lack of open talk about periods often hampers women’s education. Surprisingly, one in five girls drops out of school due to menstruation. Issues like inadequate school facilities and unaffordable hygiene products make it even tougher.

Making an Empowering Start:

Ending the stigma and tackling period poverty is a big challenge, but small steps can make a huge difference:

• Open Conversations: Break taboos by talking openly about periods and not treating them like a disease. This transformation should start within our homes, build strong supportive communities, and lead us to become a nation free of stigma.

• Educate Boys: Teach boys about menstruation early to promote understanding and support.

• Policy Changes: Advocate for policies like free menstrual products in schools and comprehensive menstrual education.

• Sustainable Products: Use eco-friendly menstrual products for hygiene and a healthier planet.

These solutions reflect the potential for societal change.
Impact Guru Foundation’s menstrual hygiene kit distribution program works to destigmatise menstruation and aims to bridge the gap between young girls and menstrual hygiene management facilities (MHM) in rural areas across India. Adopting the behavioural change communication approach, we conduct counselling sessions with the girls and their parents. Engaging with parents, our goal is to bring these girls back to school, back into the learning fold. These girls can also raise awareness at home and among other women in their families and communities. We firmly believe that forging deeper partnerships will help us amplify our impact even further.

Your support has the power to directly transform a girl's life by supporting her education and empowering her. To know more or to support us visit our website - Menstrual Hygiene Initiative