In its latest research on menstrual hygiene, the Sulabh Sanitation Mission Foundation emphasised the difficulties women encounter as a result of menstruation-related problems, including migration for employment and relocation to industries, mines, brick kilns, and sugarcane fields. Because of the subpar facilities, girls around India are afraid to use the restrooms at school when they are menstruating, which causes them to skip class during their periods. In terms of medical service accessibility, 91.7 per cent of older women stated that they did not see doctors for health issues related to menstruation because there were not enough women doctors.
The availability and affordability of menstrual hygiene products, the infrastructure for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), the effective implementation of public programs, education, social stigmas, and other issues are all examples of the multi-sectoral nature of issues affecting women’s health.
The study, ‘Combating the Silence: From Menarche to Menopause,’ is based on ethnographic data gathered from menstruating women in 14 Indian districts who are between the ages of 20 and 49. In particular, data on menstruation difficulties experienced by younger and older women was collected by researchers. The report’s goal is to use evidence-based information to support current policies or guide the development of new ones.
In order to ensure greater education, health, and economic involvement for women, the research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to improve menstrual hygiene and access to healthcare. The survey also found that a lack of facilities to manage menstrual hygiene forces girls to miss up to 60 days of school. Missing school causes dropouts, which in turn forces them into marriage and further limits their ability to engage and contribute to the economy.
Through 577 interviews conducted in the districts of Beed and Dharashiv, a chapter on Maharashtra illuminates the lack of biological understanding, limited knowledge of specific health concerns, and communication difficulties when it comes to discussing menstruation health issues in women. According to the field research, 26.5 per cent of respondents in Beed were unaware of the causes of menstruation, and 19.1 per cent of women were unsure of which organs were connected to menstruation.
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