Access to menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue; it is key to empowering women and girls, improving their education, and upholding their dignity. We have seen great progress in raising awareness and improving access, but there is still so much more we can do to ensure that every woman and girl has what she needs to manage her menstruation with confidence. When we make menstrual health a priority, we are not just addressing women’s needs, we are building a stronger, more equitable future for everyone.
State of Menstrual Hygiene in India
India is home to over 355 million menstruating women and girls. The role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) under the Scheme is consistent across all States/UTs. ASHAs organise monthly meetings with adolescent girls in their communities to discuss health topics, including menstrual hygiene management. They also provide sanitary napkins to the girls at subsidised prices.
The positive impact of these government initiatives is reflected in the findings of the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS 5). The survey shows that the percentage of women aged 15-24 using hygienic menstrual protection has risen from 58 per cent in NFHS 4 (2015-16) to 78 per cent in NFHS 5 (2019-21). Additionally, the use of sanitary napkins has increased from 42 per cent to 64 per cent.
Initiatives and Their Impact
Since 2015-16, the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme has been supported by the National Health Mission (NHM) through the State Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) route, based on proposals received from the States. The States are instructed to procure sanitary napkin packs through competitive bidding to ensure cost-efficiency. In the year 2021-22, approximately 34.92 lakh adolescent girls were provided with sanitary napkin packs every month, as per data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS).
Several state governments and the central government have launched initiatives to address menstrual hygiene. The Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Scheme, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), provides affordable sanitary pads to women across India. These pads are sold at a subsidised rate of just one rupee each and are available at more than 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide.
Empowering Rural Women and Ensuring Menstrual Health
To address the pressing issue of menstrual health and empower women in rural India, several initiatives have emerged, with foundations playing a key role in improving menstrual hygiene by combining accessibility with awareness. One such initiative is the Shubhangi Initiative, led by the Jindal Foundation. This programme uses a social business model to produce and distribute low-cost sanitary napkins in rural communities, addressing both menstrual and reproductive health. The initiative has reached over one million women and girls in more than 3,000 villages across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Haryana and Delhi.
The Shubhangi Initiative not only improves menstrual health but also empowers rural women economically. By involving local women in the production and distribution of affordable sanitary napkins, the project has generated over `1 crore in revenue, fostering financial independence for women in marginalised communities. The initiative also combats traditional beliefs that prevent older women from using sanitary products, highlighting the broader impact of awareness campaigns.
Roadmap to a Healthier, Dignified Future
While we have made great progress, there is still much potential to ensure menstrual equity for all women and girls. By improving sanitation facilities, especially in rural areas and for women in the informal sector, we can create spaces that support menstrual health and enable women to fully participate in school and work. Access to clean, private toilets is a simple yet powerful step towards empowering women.
We are also seeing great progress in educational efforts that break down myths and normalise menstruation. Community programmes that promote open conversations are helping to change attitudes, creating a healthier, more supportive environment for all.
Through collective efforts, we are making menstrual products more accessible, empowering women to take charge of their health with dignity and confidence.
Conclusion
We reaffirm our commitment to removing the stigma surrounding menstruation. A nation where every woman and girl has the information, tools and support to manage her menstruation with dignity and without discrimination can be achieved by bringing together the government, civil society and individuals.
Menstrual health is a social responsibility, not just a women’s issue. Menstrual hygiene significantly impacts women’s dignity, education and public health. Together, we can create a future where access to equality, work and education is not restricted by menstruation.
The writer is Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and former Chairperson, National Commission for Women