Milaan Foundation’s Post

Menstrual policies in schools are assessed in a new UNICEF report https://lnkd.in/eemtNw4X

Imagine missing school every month simply because of your period. This reality is driving crucial policy changes in India—and it's a conversation we need to have everywhere. I’ve seen firsthand how menstruation—an experience shared by women worldwide—continues to be surrounded by stigma. From puberty to menopause, we navigate not only the physical and emotional challenges of menstruation but also the societal taboos that often silence important conversations. Normalising these discussions is the first step toward meaningful change, and I’m encouraged to see that one such conversation has reached the Supreme Court of India. The country is on the brink of implementing a national policy to provide free menstrual hygiene products to adolescent schoolgirls. This is a pivotal move, one that addresses both health and education by ensuring that girls can continue their studies without interruption due to a lack of sanitary products. This policy is a significant stride, but it must be part of a broader strategy—one that includes menstrual education, awareness, and the dismantling of stigma. It’s not just about providing products; it’s about fostering an environment where girls can thrive without the burden of shame or health risks tied to menstruation. As someone with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and expanding access to care, I believe that policies like these are crucial for advancing gender equity. The journey ahead is challenging, but with robust policies, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to gender equity, we can ensure that menstrual health becomes a priority—not just in India, but globally. By advocating for these changes, we’re not only improving health outcomes but also empowering the next generation of women to pursue their dreams without barriers. #GenderHealthGap #WomensHealth #MenstrualHealth #PolicyReform #HealthAdvocacy #India

I remember my first period. I was 13 years old, and my mum had prepared me for the experience. We had books in our home about it, talked about it freely and I had access to menstrual products. This is not the case with many girls who live in my continent. In many cultures and communities, when a girl or woman is on her period she’s isolated, excluded from social activities, and not allowed to enter religious spaces during her periods. Because, “menstruation” is seen as impure and dirty. Can you imagine being called "unclean" or "impure" just because you're on your period? It's unfortunate that this is the reality of many women and girls. The question remains: why should there be any shame attached to something as natural as menstruation? I believe the answer lies in the lack of proper education, stigma, high cost of menstrual products and the lack of proper sanitation facilities. Over 500 million women and girls don't have access to menstrual hygiene management that they need for their period each month. This has led to girls missing school, women missing work, and countless others facing unnecessary health risks. While there have been some campaigns of ending the stigma around menstruation, I believe there’s a need for more awareness and action towards ending this stigma. And it starts with: - Having a well informed education on menstruation for all including men and boys - Ensuring that menstrual products are affordable and accessible to everyone, everywhere - Provision for an hygienic menstrual toilets at work and schools - Invest in improving data on menstrual health and hygiene. With these actions in place, I believe menstruation would no longer become a thing of shame and together, we can change how society views menstruation. ♻ REPOST if you support ending the stigma and shame around menstruation. Can you also remember the first time you had your menstruation? #menstrualhygieneday #endperiodpoverty #wearecommitted #periodfriendlyworld

Menstrual Health and Hygiene Session in Rural Schools Globally accessibility to menstrual related knowledge and products holds social, cultural, physical and economic implications on the overall development of menarche, teenage and women. If looked at the urban setup the youngsters are dependent on the internet generated knowledge that’s gives diverse opinions on the concept, attitudes, practices and knowledge. At the school level the teachers covers the biological aspect of reproductive system and generally miss on the social and cultural aspects. Thereby generating diverse understanding on the subject. When looked at the semi-rural or rural level, a girl’s mobility is restricted and defined by societal norms and hence of internet and school based knowledge is quite limited. Hence they are largely dependent on the traditional sources of knowledge such as mothers, friends, neighbours and family relations. Thereby leaving them with either no or limited knowledge. Thus there is a need of Menstrual Hygiene Management intervention among rural teenage community so that a complete comprehensive understanding and knowledge can be imparted to them. Special thanks to Deepa s k naik Esalavath for conducting sessions in schools, Prasanth Perumal for Sponsoring this program. #BrighterDaysAhead #washroomopening #SanitationForGirls  #EducationForAll #HygieneFacilities #CommunityDevelopment  #GirlsEducation #wash #SwachhBharat #unicef #CSRPartnership  #ProgressThroughInitiative

India has over 355 million menstruating women and girls. Yet only 18% of them have access to sanitary hygiene. The current state of India’s menstrual policies looks like this: ➡️ Majority of women in India still use cloth to manage menstruation. This includes around 80% of non-schooled women and 35% of women with 12 or more years of schooling. ➡️ Period products are not a priority for many households. A recent study showed only 40 percent of households spent money on period products before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which there was a 16-percent decline. ➡️ Majority of existing work focuses on wealth-based disparities (poorest to richest ratio) in the uptake of sanitary napkins. A significant policy gap exists around caste-based inequalities, particularly among marginalised individuals who menstruate. ➡️ Many girls end up missing school during menstruation due to the lack of gender-segregated washrooms and period products in schools. ➡️ A substantial portion of the population cannot afford to buy disposable period products, directly impacting India’s GDP. ➡️ India will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially SDG-3 (good health and well-being), SDG-4 (quality education), SDG-5 (gender equality), and SDG-6 (clean water and sanitation)—unless it ensures menstrual health and hygiene. To tackle this problem, the Supreme Court advocated for a "uniform national policy" to ensure access to menstrual hygiene products and sanitation facilities for girls in schools. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated a draft menstrual hygiene policy in 2023. This draft policy outlines various objectives, including 1️⃣ Addressing Stigma and Misinformation 2️⃣ Ensuring Access to Menstrual Products and Sanitation 3️⃣ Promoting Menstrual Health Education While the final policy and its specific details are yet to be announced, the draft version highlights its focus on creating a comprehensive approach to menstrual health and hygiene in India. Yet many believe the policy lacks scope, implementation, and sustainability. What are your views on this policy? Let us know in the comments below. #womenempowerment #menstrualhealth #health #women #genderequality

🌸 Breaking the Silence: Empowering Women through Menstrual Health Education🌸 Did you know that over a third of women lack a clear understanding of their own menstrual cycles, and more than 58% are uncertain about what constitutes a normal cycle? The perpetuation of taboo around menstruation has led to a significant educational gap, impacting women's health and wellbeing. 🚀 Menstrual Health Fresco Initiative: Bridging Gaps Inspired by the success of the climate and diversity frescos and the Women@Dior educational platform, the idea struck us: why not combine the two? Even at our age, we acknowledge that our understanding of our bodies may not be sufficient. Through the Menstrual Health Fresco Initiative, we aim to elaborate on complicated women's hygiene knowledge while spreading it to a larger audience. This project provides comprehensive menstrual education around health and hygiene practices, fostering positivity, and encouraging open communication. Our innovative workshop covers the menstrual cycle, hygiene options, reproductive health, common disorders, and dispels myths and stereotypes. 🌐 Impact on Mental and Physical Well-being By empowering women with knowledge, we're not only improving their mental and physical health but also breaking the silence around menstruation. This workshop is a catalyst for positive change, creating a community and a safe space for open conversation. 🤝 Join Us in This Mission From a few women to many more, join us in this mission by supporting the Menstrual Health Fresco. Together, let's break the silence, because together, we're stronger than ever. 💪🌟 #MenstrualHealthFresco #EmpowerWomen

"Swabhiman Project" by Tresna tackles a critical issue faced by countless women, limited access to sanitary pads and proper hygiene education. This initiative goes beyond simply providing essential resources but relies on a holistic outlook. A significant factor contributing to high school dropout rates, especially among girls is the lack of adequate sanitation facilities. This issue is particularly concerning for young women who lack awareness about menstruation often relying on fragmented information from advertisements. Furthermore, among older women a worrying knowledge gap exists regarding menopause and the importance of consulting a gynecologist during this crucial phase. In rural communities, menstruation remains a taboo subject, rarely discussed openly at home. They face the challenge of navigating their periods without guidance. The project goes beyond individual health. Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of this issue, the project incorporates a multi-sectoral approach. Menstrual health is not solely a health concern; it's interwoven with economic and social inequalities. Swabhiman addresses these interconnected issues, aiming for inclusive and sustainable solutions. We understand the transformative power of education in empowering women to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity. Swabhiman Project actively dismantles the stigma and fear surrounding menstrual health and hygiene. Through educational workshops and awareness campaigns, we strive to cultivate a more informed and inclusive environment. By equipping women with the knowledge and resources they deserve. Tresna Foundation believes that every woman has the right to live a life free from shame and limitations due to menstruation. Together, let's uplift menstrual health as a fundamental human right. By supporting Swabhiman, you contribute to empowering women and girls, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential. . . . #RangoliatTresna #Beingthechange #growingwithtresna (Tresna - Rangoli Bakshi - NGO - founder - ceo - director - ahmedabad - india - gujarat - non proft - organisation - foundation - team - family - lives )

Girls around the world face a number of challenges related to menstruation, including: 🛑 Menstruation stigma: The negative beliefs and taboos that make periods seem dirty or shameful. 🛑 Inadequate sanitation facilities: Many girls lack access to clean toilets and private spaces to manage their periods hygienically. 🛑 Limited knowledge: A lack of accurate information about menstruation can lead to anxiety and fear. 🛑Limited access to menstrual products: Affordable pads, tampons, or menstrual cups are often unavailable, forcing girls to use makeshift solutions that are unhealthy or ineffective. These challenges can have a serious impact on girls' lives, leading to: • Lack of confidence: Feeling ashamed or embarrassed about menstruation can affect a girl's self-esteem. • School absenteeism: Girls may miss school due to fear of leaks, lack of access to facilities, or period pain. • Social isolation: Stigma can lead girls to withdraw from activities or social interactions. • Physical and health discomfort: Improper hygiene practices due to limited resources can increase the risk of infections. It is therefore our collective responsibilities to; • Raise awareness: Openly discuss menstruation to break down the stigma and normalize periods. • Advocate for menstrual hygiene management (MHM): Support programs that provide girls with access to clean toilets, washing facilities, and private changing areas. • Promote access to affordable menstrual products: Encourage initiatives that make pads, tampons, or menstrual cups readily available and affordable. Most importantly, remember that periods are a natural part of life for most women and girls. Let's work together to create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to health, education, and opportunity. Cheers !!! Ambassador Nubwa Ibrahim Bawuro

Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day: Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld 🌍 Today is Menstrual Hygiene Day, a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about menstrual health and break the stigma surrounding it. Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet millions of women and girls face challenges due to menstrual poverty—lack of access to menstrual products, adequate sanitation, and education. Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters Menstrual hygiene is essential for the health, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls worldwide. Addressing menstrual health is about more than just providing products; it's about ensuring equality, health, and education for all. The Impact of Menstrual Poverty -Education: Girls missing school during their periods due to lack of products lose valuable learning time, affecting their future opportunities. -Health: Without proper menstrual hygiene, women and girls are at risk of infections and other health issues. -Stigma: Cultural taboos and misinformation perpetuate shame and silence, preventing open discussions and support. Our Role Each of us has a part to play in creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. By talking openly about menstruation, supporting those in need, and advocating for better menstrual health policies, we can make a significant impact. How You Can Help - Spread Awareness: Share information about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. -Engage in Dialogue: Encourage open and honest discussions about menstruation. -Support Education: Advocate for comprehensive menstrual education in schools to empower the next generation. Let's work together to ensure that every girl and woman can manage their period with dignity and confidence. Together, we can make a difference. #MenstrualHygieneDay #PeriodFriendlyWorld #EndPeriodPoverty #EmpowerHer

#Womensday - Menstrual care is a crucial component of women’s health that often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. This day offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges many face, such as period poverty, where individuals lack access to affordable menstrual products, and the stigma surrounding menstruation that can lead to misinformation and inadequate support. Promoting menstrual health on Women's Day involves advocating for: 1. Access to Products: Ensuring that menstrual products are affordable and accessible to everyone who needs them. This includes supporting initiatives that provide free or subsidized menstrual products in schools, workplaces, and communities. 2. Education and Awareness: Increasing menstrual health education to dispel myths and promote accurate information. This includes incorporating comprehensive menstrual education into school curriculums and public health campaigns. 3. Breaking the Stigma: Encouraging open discussions about menstruation to normalize it and challenge the cultural taboos that contribute to the stigma. This involves supporting campaigns and policies that promote positive menstrual health practices and inclusive dialogue. 4. Supporting Research and Innovation: Investing in research to improve menstrual products and address health issues related to menstruation, ensuring that solutions are both effective and environmentally sustainable. 5. Ensuring Health Equity: Addressing disparities in menstrual health care among different socio-economic and demographic groups, ensuring that all individuals have access to the care and resources they need. By focusing on menstrual care on Women's Day, we advocate for a more equitable world where every individual can manage their menstrual health with dignity and support. With the generous support of Truffle Asset Management we put together 110 #menstrual care kits to hand out to the grade 6 and 7 girls at Robinhills Primary school. #corporate #sponsorship enables us to reach more learners. #periodswithdignity #keepgirlsinschool Simone Sharman CFP®