Importance of Menstrual Hygiene Education For Girls in India

Menstruation can be confusing and even a bit scary. Girls might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about it. But it’s nothing to be ashamed of—it’s just a normal part of life. The more women understand menstrual hygiene, the better you’ll be able to care for yourself and stay healthy.

Here’s the thing: proper menstrual hygiene is essential. It’s not just about using the right products (like pads or tampons) – it’s also about understanding body, knowing how to manage periods, and keeping clean and comfortable. Continue reading as we discuss menstruation and the importance of proper menstrual hygiene education.

Understanding Menstruation

Understanding menstruation involves comprehending the biological process and addressing societal attitudes and myths. Menstruation is the cyclical shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) through the vagina, which occurs in females of reproductive age if pregnancy does not occur. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone regulate it. The menstrual cycle lasts 28 days but can vary from 23 to 35 days.

Menstruation is a natural bodily function, not an illness or a reason for shame or stigma. However, common myths, such as restrictions on activities or food intake during menstruation, persist and should be dispelled through education. It is essential to break these taboos and promote an understanding that menstruation is a normal process.

Also, from a health perspective, irregular or abnormal bleeding patterns, severe pain, or other concerning symptoms may indicate underlying health conditions and should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Why There is A Need For Menstrual Hygiene Education?

24% of girls miss one or more school days during menstruation. *(Source: British Medical Journal)

From an early age, girls learn to live with the pain and fear and seldom seek help when in physical or mental discomfort due to periods – thanks to the air of embarrassment surrounding the topic. The silence, exclusion, teasing and shaming affect the girls’ psychological and physical development and hinder their potential big time. The lack of access to basic hygiene facilities and awareness leads to increased dropouts.

Girls are often pushed into marriage at an early age once they drop out of school, leading to permanent loss of potential. To help our girls live freely and chase their dreams, we need to end period shame and have open conversations about menstruation. Let’s understand the importance of menstrual hygiene education in more detail:

1. Empowerment through Knowledge

Menstrual hygiene education is crucial in empowering individuals, particularly young girls and women, by providing them with accurate information about the natural biological process of menstruation. Understanding the physiological changes that occur during menstruation can help alleviate anxiety, confusion, and misconceptions surrounding this topic.

Educating individuals about menstrual health and hygiene practices equips them to make better decisions regarding their bodies and well-being. This knowledge empowers them to manage their menstrual cycles effectively, promoting confidence and self-assurance.

2. Reduction of Health Risks

Proper menstrual hygiene education is vital for reducing health risks associated with poor menstrual management practices. Inadequate knowledge and lack of access to hygienic menstrual products can lead to infections, reproductive tract disorders, and other health complications.

By educating individuals about the importance of using clean and safe menstrual products, practising good hygiene during menstruation, and seeking medical attention when necessary, menstrual hygiene education plays a crucial role in preventing and mitigating these health risks.

3. Breaking Societal Taboos

Menstruation is often shrouded in taboos, myths, and stigma in many societies, leading to the marginalisation and discrimination of menstruating individuals. Menstrual hygiene education serves as a powerful tool to challenge these societal taboos and normalise conversations around menstruation.

Education can help break down the barriers of shame and secrecy surrounding menstrual health by promoting open and factual discussions. This, in turn, can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals to manage their menstrual cycles without fear or stigma.

Role of CRY India to Stop Period Taboo & Educate About Menstrual Health

CRY (Child Rights and You) India recognizes the detrimental impact of shame, stigma, and misinformation surrounding menstruation on young girls and women. The organisation aims to break the silence around periods and initiate open conversations about menstruation through its ‘Let’s Talk About Periods’ campaign. The critical roles of CRY India in this regard are:

1. Awareness and Education

CRY India works to create awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among children and adolescent girl groups in schools across different cities. By providing accurate information and dispelling myths, the organisation empowers girls with knowledge about this natural biological process.

2. Challenging Taboos and Stigma

The campaign encourages people to pledge their support to end period shame and normalise conversations around menstruation. CRY India amplifies this voice through social media using hashtags like #LetsTalkAboutPeriods, challenging societal taboos and the stigma associated with periods.

3. Promoting Open Dialogue

CRY India emphasises the importance of using the word “period” instead of code words, carrying period products without shame, and engaging in open discussions about menstruation. This approach aims to break the culture of silence and secrecy surrounding the topic.

4. Fundraising and Support

The organisations seeks donations and support from individuals and corporate partners to further its efforts in creating awareness and providing menstrual health education to girls and women.

Conclusion

Menstrual education is critical for breaking the vicious cycle of damaging stigma that has been deeply embedded in society. Furthermore, women should be able to regulate their menstrual periods safely and safely. Menstrual education will help to reduce period poverty because it is the first step in emphasizing the necessity of having suitable facilities and supplies to manage one's period, as well as doing so.