The International Institute of Population Sciences, Mumbai has recently released its major findings from the NFHS-5 survey data that reveal multiple indicators and challenges for women empowerment including how receptive the women of India are towards menstrual products. The findings reveal the stark gap in the usage of period-related products within the different states of India.
According to the data, 17 states and union territories have 90 per cent or more of their women using period products. In contrast to this figure, around seven states and UTs including Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, had 70 per cent or fewer of their women using period products. Bihar was the only state to report a figure that was less than 60 per cent.
Though states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have made considerable progress in improving the accessibility of period-related products through several government schemes, however, the overall numbers of these states are low when compared to the rest of India. Experts believe that these low numbers can be attributed to lower awareness along with the prevalent myths and taboos around menstruation that needs immediate attention in the rural areas. Girls and women may not be open to visiting pharmacies or asking the male members of their families to do so.