If Poor Sanitation is an issue why isn't a Period Poverty

General
, , , ,
1

When talking about the necessity of Good Sanitation, Drinkable Water, and Proper Hygiene being Public Health concerns, often the most basic hygiene needs of about half the world’s population, Menstrual Hygiene Management, are overlooked. When poor sanitation is a Public Health issue, period poverty should be too.

Period poverty is not just an inability to afford sanitary products. It is also about having poor sanitation facilities, poor disposal of menstrual waste, no information about menstrual hygiene management, and no stigma associated with the issue. In India, millions of women do not have enough facilities to manage their periods hygienically. This has been shown by various surveys conducted in different parts of India, indicating poor menstrual product usage patterns among all socio-economic groups, educational levels, castes, and geographic regions. Women in rural and poorer areas suffer the most.( as per the National Family Health Survey 2019-2022 ,sample of 49,136 SC, 44,392 ST, and 41,045 General caste women in the age group of 15 to 24 years. )

The list of consequences goes beyond embarrassment and discomfort. Poor sanitation during periods and poor materials used during Menstrual Management may cause infections in the reproductive and urinary tract systems. School-going girls miss classes due to poor sanitation facilities in schools and fear of being embarrassed. Millions of women reduce their mobility, participation in work and Education.

It is also an issue of Health Inequality. The provision of menstrual hygiene depends on variables such as income level, education, media influence, and even sanitation facilities at home. While various government policies and Menstrual Hygiene Management programs have helped to enhance the knowledge base and access to these products, considerable inequalities exist in access, availability, and social acceptance among the SC and ST women in India.

Good Public Health will never be realised where menstruation is surrounded by secrecy and shame. Menstrual health is a basic requirement for sanitation, gender equality, and human dignity. Provision of affordable menstrual products, provision of sanitary toilet facilities, enhancement of menstrual knowledge, and making discussions about periods normal is not welfare, but good Public Health Practice.

This is because, whenever girls miss classes, women risk infections, or their dignity suffers owing to a natural biological phenomenon; it is not a personal issue anymore; it has become a public health issue. Period poverty is sanitation poverty. It is health poverty.

12 Likes
2

This is so true. From a clinical perspective, when clean water is absent, a woman cannot properly sanitise reusable cloth. This turns a natural biological cycle into a recurring exposure to bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Period poverty is quite literally a direct driver of chronic, invisible gynaecological illness.

2 Likes
3

Period sanitation awareness programmes should be conducted by government. Recently there was a movie about this. Sanitary napkins can be provided for free or minimal cost.

1 Like
4

Very correctly described the senerio of period sanitation. Period awareness should be conducted in rural areas and facilities like sanitary toilet facilities in rural areas schools, public places, and house should be provided strictly. Educating both men & women about importance of periods hygiene to avoid risk of urinary tract infection or more serious risk of cervical cancer.

1 Like
5

It’s very important topic should be discussed by evryone in India, here mensuration is shameful think, people don’t discuss it. Government should take initiative regarding sanitization in mensuration.

1 Like
6

It should be discussed openly in India at large scale so it becomes a necessity and not only a demand

1 Like
7

When a natural biological process determines whether a girl attends school, goes to work, or develops preventable infections, it is no longer just a menstrual health issue. It becomes a public health issue, an education issue, and an issue of equity

1 Like
8

Very informative and important topic. I believe menstrual hygiene should be treated as a public health priority. Creating awareness, improving access to sanitary products, and reducing stigma can make a big difference in women’s health and education.

1 Like
9

This social issue is very well illustrated in your article. It highlights almost all the aspects regarding menstrual hygiene.

1 Like
10

Period sanitation is so important it can lead to enormous diseases to females.There must be awareness programmes by the government and also private sector.

1 Like
11

Very true. Every woman, either rich or poor deserves to get educated about Menstrual Sanitization, and should have sanitary pads facility available for free or minimal cost to prevent infections and help them pass through Menstruation smoothly and hygienically.

1 Like
12

Described very well!
Mainly in India there is such a big need of this period poverty and awareness regarding this, as in today’s time as well people don’t want to talk about it, you can’t talk about it in public and if you talk you are not reputable, people would ignore you and would ask you to change the topic.

1 Like
13

Menstrual hygiene is primary need for Women. In India, public toilets has poor sanitation facility, unclean water supply, no proper cleaning routine and improper disposal of sanitary napkins. It leads to rise of UTI and other contactable infections in women. Menstrual hygiene education should be provided in schools, should be issued in public interest sectors etc.

1 Like
14

very true. It is a very concerning issue which need to be addressed properly. Menstrual hygiene is a basic necessity.

15

I feel more initiative matters in rural areas. Improving facilities and making sure there is availability of services will help to manage public health issue.specially in Rural areas

16

Donating period products is a good way to help the less fortunate women

17

Period poverty isn’t just about menstruation, it’s about opportunity. When girls miss school, women miss work, or health suffers because of inadequate menstrual care, the impact extends far beyond an individual’s health. Addressing it is an investment in education, dignity, and public health.

18

An important perspective. I think period poverty should be viewed as a public health and equity issue, not just a women’s issue. Even when menstrual products are available, lack of privacy, clean toilets, safe disposal facilities, and menstrual health education continue to affect girls’ education, women’s workforce participation, and overall well-being. Addressing period poverty requires improving infrastructure, breaking stigma, and ensuring menstrual dignity for everyone.