Let's Talk Period: Why Menstrual Products Should Be Free in India

 

**Understanding Menstrual Hygiene:**

 

Menstrual hygiene is all about managing your period in a clean and healthy way. This includes using safe products to absorb menstrual blood and keeping yourself clean by washing regularly. Proper menstrual hygiene is essential for every woman and girl's health and well-being.

 

**Why Free Menstrual Products Matter in India:**

 

Here's why access to free menstrual products is crucial in India:

 

Cost:Many women and girls, especially from low-income backgrounds, can't afford sanitary pads. This forces them to use unhygienic alternatives like old cloth or rags, increasing the risk of infections.

 

*Education: Period poverty can lead to girls missing school days due to lack of proper sanitary products. This disrupts their education and limits their future opportunities.

 

* Health:Unsafe menstrual practices can lead to health problems like Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs).

 

**The Stats Speak for Themselves:**

 

*Over 50%of Indian women reportedly use cloth during their periods [National Family Health Survey-5]. While cloth pads can be a sustainable option, improper washing due to stigma can negate the benefits.

 

* **Roughly 121 million** women and girls use disposable pads, generating a massive **12.3 billion pads** of waste annually [Bhor and Ponkshe 2018; PATH 2017]. Free and subsidized products with proper disposal mechanisms can address this environmental concern.

 

**The Bottom Line:**

 

Menstrual products are a basic necessity, not a luxury. Making them free will:

 

* Improve women's health and hygiene.

* Increase girls' school attendance.

* Empower women and girls to reach their full potential.

 

Let's break the silence around periods and ensure menstrual hygiene for all!

 

**#FreePads #PeriodHealth #PeriodPovertyIg: @_the_periodproject

 

#Periodequality #NoMorePeriodPoverty

 

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