By Kalyani Mudaliar
In the tribal village of Deolapar, located in Nagpur district, adolescent girls faced a silent struggle that impacted their education and well-being—menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Due to deeply ingrained cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate resources, menstruation became a monthly challenge, leading to absenteeism and unhygienic practices.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities) stepped in to implement a comprehensive Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) program at Gurukul Ashram School. Through education, awareness, and sustainable solutions, the initiative empowered young tribal girls to manage menstruation with dignity, breaking long-standing taboos and improving their quality of life.
The Importance of Menstrual Hygiene Management
Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet in many rural and tribal areas, it remains a topic of secrecy and shame. Lack of menstrual hygiene education and resources can lead to severe health risks, psychological distress, and disruptions in daily life, especially for school-going girls. Poor menstrual hygiene management contributes significantly to high dropout rates among adolescent girls, affecting their academic performance and future opportunities. Addressing this issue goes beyond health—it is a matter of gender equality, education, and empowerment. By ensuring access to proper menstrual hygiene, girls gain confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of agency over their own bodies and futures.
Challenges faced by Tribal Girls
The adolescent girls at Gurukul Ashram School struggled with multiple challenges related to menstrual hygiene:
1. Lack of Awareness and Myths
Most girls had no scientific knowledge about menstruation. Myths and misconceptions passed down through generations led to fear, confusion, and misinformation. Some believed menstruation was a curse or a disease rather than a natural biological function.
2. Cultural Stigma and Secrecy
Menstruation was rarely discussed at home. Families avoided conversations, leaving girls unprepared and isolated when they got their first period. Due to societal taboos, they were often restricted from participating in daily activities, further reinforcing shame and embarrassment.
3. Limited Access to Sanitary Products
Many girls lacked access to sanitary napkins due to financial constraints and unavailability in local stores. As a result, they resorted to using old cloth, which was neither safe nor hygienic. Without proper washing and drying practices, this led to infections, discomfort, and increased absenteeism.
4. School Absenteeism and Education Disruption
Without access to sanitary products and a safe disposal system, many girls missed 4-5 school days each month, affecting their academic performance. Some even considered dropping out due to the recurring challenge.
5. Lack of Proper Disposal Systems
Even when sanitary napkins were available, the absence of proper disposal mechanisms created another hurdle. Girls were unaware of safe and eco-friendly disposal methods, leading to environmental hazards.
Emotional Struggles and the Fear of Menstruation
Menstruation was a source of anxiety for many students. The fear of staining clothes, being teased by classmates, or being excluded from social and religious activities left them feeling ashamed and powerless.
One 11th-grade student, who later became a change-maker, shared her experience:
“I used to stay home during my periods because I was scared. I didn’t know how to manage it at school, and I had no one to ask for help. It felt like something was wrong with me.”
CYDA’s Intervention: Educating and Empowering Girls
To address these pressing challenges, CYDA introduced a comprehensive Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) training program for 11th and 12th-grade students at Gurukul Ashram School. The goal was to provide scientific knowledge, break the stigma around menstruation, and equip girls with practical solutions to manage their periods with confidence and dignity.
Key Components of the Program
1. Menstrual Health Education
- Interactive sessions were conducted to explain menstruation as a natural biological process.
- Scientific facts were shared to dispel myths and superstitions.
- Open discussions were encouraged, allowing girls to ask questions and voice their concerns without fear.
2. Breaking the Stigma Through Open Conversations
- Girls were encouraged to share their experiences, fostering solidarity and mutual support.
- Through storytelling and real-life examples, menstruation was normalized.
- Teachers and parents were involved in awareness sessions to ensure long-term behavioral change.
3. Free Access to Sanitary Products
- CYDA provided free sanitary napkins to ensure that girls had access to proper menstrual hygiene products.
- Training sessions were conducted on how to use and dispose of sanitary pads correctly.
4. Sustainable Disposal and Eco-Friendly Practices
- Workshops were held to teach girls how to make eco-friendly paper bags and “Red Dot” bags for safe disposal of sanitary napkins.
- Awareness campaigns promoted sustainable menstrual practices to reduce environmental waste.
5.Community Involvement and Awareness
- Girls were encouraged to discuss menstrual health with their families, gradually changing perceptions at home.
- Local community members were sensitized to reduce stigma and improve access to menstrual hygiene products.
Impact: A New Era of Confidence and Change
The intervention brought a remarkable transformation in the lives of adolescent girls at Gurukul Ashram School. Girls no longer missed school due to menstruation. Their confidence grew as they learned how to manage their periods effectively. Equipped with scientific information, girls challenged taboos and misconceptions within their families and communities.Proper disposal techniques and eco-friendly practices became the norm, reducing environmental waste and promoting hygiene.
“I now understand that menstruation is not something to be ashamed of. I want to help other girls realize the same,” one girl shared with confidence.
A Movement Towards Change
The transformation at Gurukul Ashram School is a testament to the power of awareness, education, and collective effort. Through CYDA’s intervention, adolescent girls gained the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to manage menstruation with dignity and break free from societal taboos. Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue—it is a matter of dignity, rights, and equality. The success of this initiative demonstrates that when given the right knowledge and support, young girls can become agents of change, ensuring a future where menstruation is treated with respect, understanding, and care.
(The author is a documentation officer at CYDA)
