Menstrual hygiene
management is one of the neglected health and hygiene issues
surrounding the rights of vulnerable adolescent girls in Manvi
taluka. For hundreds of these adolescent girls living in the
villages, natural monthly occurrence is disruptive. Adolescent girls
in our targeted villages often deal with the lack of access to
menstrual hygiene products or if they are available the Sharp rise
in the price of sanitary pads makes it impossible to buy due to
poverty. Stigma and period poverty has a significant impact on the
lives of vulnerable women and girls in our village, who often must
resort to using unhygienic alternatives such as using old unhygienic
clothes as sanitary pads. This causes discomfort that can increase
their risk of infections- especially since they are often washed
without detergents and dried indoors, out of shame and fear of
superstitions related to menstruation. Without improved hygiene
behavior such as handwashing with soap and water after changing used
clothes and Sanitary napkins it will be challenging for women and
adolescent girls to stay healthy during their menstrual cycle.
Vimukti Staff nurse is committed to giving training on this in our
health camps, distributing family hygiene kits to spread the
messages to combat stigma. The adolescent girls were so happy to
receive these training sessions in our health camps and many places’
girls have received sanitary pads, as it meant that they can have
their periods without fear of embarrassment and they no longer had
to stay in isolation at home and miss activities or school. SHRITHI
who attended the health camp and participated in the training said,”
I share a little torn towel with my younger sister during our
menstruation because buying actual sanitary pads from the shops is
very expensive and not available in the villages. Vimukti
distributed sanitary pads during crucial times. In the past I used
to feel bad each time I had my monthly period, I did not feel
comfortable using unhygienic rugs they are not comfortable, nor are
they effective, and they can lead to very serious health concerns,
with free disposable sanitary pads provided, I can safely manage my
health, I can now openly talk about menstruation and the sanitary
pads. I feel confident and empowered.” Nealy thousand adolescent
girls came together and motivated their peer group discussed in
their schools and demanded the Chief Minister of Karnataka through a
letter campaign.
