Menstruation is a normal and a healthy part of life and yet girls and women in India go through extreme struggles to manage their periods every month. A large chunk of the Indian population believes this natural cycle to be a ‘curse’, ‘impure’ or ‘dirty’ due to lack of awareness and education, religious stigmas and the prevailing taboo surrounding “period talk”. All of these factors lead to a vicious cycle of unhealthy practices.
When a girl faces challenges in managing her period in a healthy manner, it can cause a number of problems to her physical and mental health. Not only will she be at risk of infection, but her education, self-esteem, and confidence may also suffer in a major way.
The National Family Health Survey (2015-2016) estimates that out of the 336 million menstruating women in India, only about 121 million (roughly 36%) women use sanitary napkins or other means of proper sanitation methods for managing their periods. A lot of elements play a part in this, including lack of access, financial constraints, traditional way of managing menstruation, lack of education or awareness etc.
With reference to the above-mentioned hurdles, Myna Mahila Foundation aims to bridge the gap by transforming its care delivery model (in the context of current pandemic and healthcare costs) to increase menstrual healthcare accessibility and improve menstrual health outcomes for women.
Azmati, a girl living in the slums of Govandi, Mumbai had to drop out of college due to cultural and financial restraints. She had previously attended one of the organization’s education sessions, where she was hopeful to learn more about menstrual health and expressed her willingness to join Myna in some way. She, unfortunately, had to drop post her eleventh grade as her parents believed that the world outside is bad and she needs to be protected. Later, she was allowed by her parents to join Myna as it’s an organization run by women and her parents felt it safe.
Azmati in Myna, as a leader and a fellow, progressed well. She quickly learned how to do micro-management, fill out evaluation forms and learnt how to use a laptop as well. Her transition from a silent girl to one who mobilizes the community sessions and speaks to Muslim women in her community about religious taboos has been marvellous. She no longer uses old rags during her periods, goes to the office regularly and now functions more confidently and professionally.
To reach more such women like Azmati, the organization has launched a new initiative called Pledge a Period.
#PledgeAPeriod aims to increase access to women’s health-related products, create awareness and bring attitudinal changes, thereby improving women’s health and breaking the taboo and stigmas attached to menstrual health and hygiene for 12,500 girls in the urban slums of Mumbai and beyond. With this model, they also aim to reach 2 million women in India by the year 2025.
To read more about the campaign and to lend your support, click on this link.