menstrual hygiene management

 With a focus on Menstrual Health & Hygiene, Astitva Foundation conducts workshops to bring awareness, bust myths, destigmatize misconceptions and improve access to information on menstrual cycle, sanitary pads, and safe disposal mechanism. 

National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 data for 2019-21 indicates a substantial state-wise variation (shown on the map) in the exclusive use of hygienic methods among adolescent women in rural India. Among the 28 states, Uttar Pradesh (24%) had the lowest prevalence of exclusive use of hygienic methods followed by Madhya Pradesh (26%), Bihar (29%), Chhattisgarh (29%), and Assam (29%).  The survey also suggests that women with 12 or more years of schooling are more than twice as likely to use a hygienic method than those with no schooling. 

 Menstrual Hygiene Management is crucial for rural girls to ensure continuity of education, otherwise their school attendance may dwindle or they might drop out altogether at puberty. MHM is also important from the perspective of women’s health to reduce the likelihood of infections resulting from poor hygiene practices during menstruation.