By Wasim Shaikh, Coordinator, WASH Unit, CYDA
Hygiene and sanitation are crucial for maintaining a healthy school environment, particularly in terms of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) among adolescent girls. A crucial part of MHM is the safe disposal of sanitary pads-not only for personal comfort and dignity but also to protect public health and the environment. Improper disposal can lead to foul odours, clogged toilets, and the spread of harmful infections.
Sadly, this is the reality in many schools across India. To respond to this challenge, Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), with support from the Persistent Foundation, introduced initiatives to raise awareness on MHM. This effort demonstrates how proper guidance, student participation, and continuous reinforcement can lead to lasting improvements. By encouraging open conversations, responsible waste handling, and confidence among girls, the initiative is creating cleaner, safer, and more supportive schools.
The Problem
At MIBK School in Khandepaar, Goa, there are 281 boys and 255 girls in grades 7 to 9. The improper disposal of sanitary pads in the girls’ washrooms had become a serious issue. Washrooms often had bad odors, blocked toilets, and accumulated waste. These conditions were unpleasant and posed serious health risks for students. The situation highlighted the urgent need for both immediate solutions and long-term awareness.
Intervention: Educating and Empowering Girls
CYDA stepped in with a multi-pronged approach:
- Educational Outreach – Meetings were held with teachers and female students to discuss the root cause: lack of awareness. Students were guided on safe disposal and hygiene practices.
- Awareness Sessions – Focused discussions broke taboos around menstruation and stressed the importance of safe disposal.
- Health Hazards Education – Girls were informed about the risks of infections caused by improper disposal and trained to use designated bins.
- Student Involvement – Students became active change makers. “Hygiene Ambassadors” were selected to monitor washrooms, spread awareness, and remind peers about safe practices.
Impact
- Washrooms were deep cleaned and hygiene levels improved.
- Posters and visual reminders on sanitary pad disposal were installed.
- Girls felt safer, more comfortable, and more aware of their responsibilities.
- Both staff and students developed stronger habits for maintaining hygiene.
Sustaining the Change
Students have been trained to wrap used sanitary pads in newspaper or tissue and dispose of them in sanitary bins. In schools with incinerators, safe usage is encouraged under supervision. Teachers regularly remind students not to flush pads to prevent plumbing issues.
These practices are now carried back home, creating consistent habits. Reinforcement through role-plays, poster-making competitions, and group discussions has helped normalize conversations on menstruation. Simple hygiene habits-like washing hands before and after changing a pad and replacing pads every 4–6 hours-are being followed more regularly.
A Safer, Supportive Environment
The MIBK School case shows how awareness, education, and student participation can transform menstrual hygiene practices. By normalizing menstruation-related discussions and teaching safe disposal techniques, schools are not only improving health outcomes but also building dignity, confidence, and respect for young girls.
