Menstruation is a natural, regular and normal physiological process. It occurs when a girl enters into her adolescence. It is a good sign that her reproductive organs are developing and functioning properly for reproduction later. It is a very normal and essential function of the reproductive organ of the body.
But many social norms, taboos and customs associated with it make it more complex as a result of which accepting and managing the most important physical function becomes a difficult task for the school going girls.
When we think about a student-friendly school environment, different pictures come to our mind. Availability of good building, teaching-learning material, digital classroom, study material, library and well-equipped science lab is considered very important. Very few people talk about the availability of proper WASH (clean toilet, safe drinking water, hand washing facility, dustbin, etc.) facility in the school.
About 50% of students are girls and are mostly in the menstruating age. Still, no one talks about the availability of menstruation hygiene management facilities like dustbin inside the toilet, sanitary pad dispensary unit and clean toilet with sufficient running water as well as pad disposal facility. Due to lack of proper infrastructure and behaviour, menstruating girls could not manage their period well in schools.
Lack of proper facilities for MHM (Menstrual Health Management) in schools decreases their interest in studies. It again impacts their retention, participation, learning outcome and overall educational development.
Menstruation is associated with stigma and fear of embarrassment and harassment, which makes them stay at home. Lack of a proper place (to change, and dispose of sanitary pads during periods) at school shortens their confidence and interest to attend school regularly. As a result, the rate of absenteeism increases. They prefer to stay at home for 3–5 days once every month. If anyhow they attended school, they could not concentrate on study.
There is a fear that there may be a stain on the dress or any unhygienic irritation occurs. They cannot participate in any classroom activity like to stand and speak, write anything on the blackboard and any other physical task assigned by the teacher.
Low attendance and lack of active class participation impact their overall learning achievement, which reflected in their exam results. About 40–60 days absent in school means a lot. The fear of failure, low-grade achievement makes them drop from their study in the middle.
Dropping out of school breaks their chain of educational, personal and career development. They are compelled to compromise with their ambition and aspiration. Breaks in studying make them susceptible to social issues like child marriage, teenage pregnancy, trafficking, child labour, domestic violence, etc.
In addition to the above, health-related issues like Urinary Tract Infection, Reproductive Tract Infection, etc. become a part of their life. It also negatively influences their physical and mental health.
A 2014 report by the NGO Dasra titled Spot On! found that nearly 23 million girls drop out from school annually due to lack of proper menstrual hygiene management facilities which include the availability of sanitary napkins and logical awareness of menstruation. This study also revealed that 63 million adolescent girls live in a home without toilet facilities.
A 2015 survey by the ministry of education found that in 63% of schools in villages, teachers never discussed menstruation and how to deal with it hygienically. They have to struggle both at home and in school to get both information and infrastructure.
Public sector units claimed to have constructed 1.4 lakh toilets in government schools as a part of Right to Education Project, but almost 40% are found to be non-existent or partially constructed or unused. In an audit report presented in the parliament, the CAG said over 70% of toilets did not have running water facilities while 75% of toilets were not being maintained hygienically.
A school is an important place in a student’s life after home. It is called the second home of children. So this home needs to fulfil all the essential needs of all students to make the environment student-friendly. The government/policymakers should make necessary laws and guidelines. The administration should ensure the right implementation of those laws and the community (parents and civil society organisations) should be vigilant whether their child’s basic needs are taken care of or not.
Intensive awareness, education results in social acceptance. Community participation is the key to achieve a safe and sustained environment at school. Disseminating information about MHM among adolescent groups will help break the stigma. This can help girls complete their education and fulfil their dream.