Years of activism, followed by recent popular culture, has mainstreamed the conversation around menstrual taboos. While this is leading to a rise in the use of commercial sanitary pads, the stigma around menstrual health and sexual and reproductive health and rights continues to thrive. Traditional and religious beliefs, and the connotation of 'impurity', have created a massive obstacle to access to menstrual health.

According to a report by WaterAid, illnesses related to a lack of water, basic sanitation and hygiene are the fifth biggest cause of death among women and girls. Dasra's 2014 report states that close to 23 million girls in India drop out of school every year due to a lack of proper sanitation facilities. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are crucial for a dignified, inclusive upbringing for women and girls.