Period Poverty in India: Can We Break the Silence?

General
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In India, millions of women and girls still struggle with period poverty — the lack of access to affordable sanitary products, clean toilets, and safe menstrual hygiene practices.

:bar_chart: The Reality

Only around 36% of women in India use sanitary pads.

The rest depend on cloth, ash, or other unsafe materials.

Many girls skip school during periods, leading to dropout rates and lost opportunities.

:light_bulb: Why It Matters

Poor menstrual hygiene can cause infections, reproductive health issues, and even long-term complications.

Social stigma and taboos force women into silence, worsening the issue.

Period poverty isn’t just about hygiene — it’s about dignity, education, and equality.

:key: What Can Be Done?

1. Government Programs like Jan Aushadhi Kendras and free pad distribution in schools.

2. Affordable & Eco-Friendly Alternatives – menstrual cups, reusable pads, biodegradable napkins.

3. Breaking Myths – Open discussions to end stigma around menstruation.

4. Pharmacies as Safe Spaces – Pharmacists can play a role in guiding women toward safe products.

:cherry_blossom: Ending period poverty isn’t just a women’s issue — it’s a public health and human rights issue.

The question is: Are we ready to break the silence and act?

Period poverty
Period poverty1024×1536 121 KB

MBH/PS

14 Likes
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Well said, we need stronger government schemes for free or affordable sanitary products with more awareness . Find a better access to eco-friendly options like menstrual cups and reusable pads. Schools, healthcare workers, and even local pharmacies can become safe spaces where girls and women feel comfortable seeking help and guidance.

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Because many womens don’t know about this. Its government duty to teach by giving seminars workshops in rural areas and providing free samples and costing of this should be reduce so that many womens can afford because many women can’t afford also for everymonth.

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Menstruation is natural, yet millions in India struggle due to stigma and lack of resources. Let’s break the silence and fight period poverty. #MenstrualHealth

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Period poverty - an opt title. We as a country need to empower of young girls regarding menstrual cycle, hygiene and break silence on something which needs to be hidden. Educating both boys and girls regarding it can lead to stronger society and future.

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Menstruation is an integral part of the lives of women and girls, and the right to manage menstruation safely and with dignity is key to human rights worldwide. Generally, the onset of the menstrual period in a female body post puberty involves the monthly shedding of the uterine lining and blood discharge, mostly in a 28 day cycle, and is essential for good sexual and reproductive health for women. Given a lack of general public awareness regarding this natural health indicator, extreme patriarchy, as well as stigma against the dissemination of sexual and reproductive health education in the country, a significant section of the menstruating population deal with varied challenges in this regard.

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This post highlights such a critical and often overlooked issue. Period poverty is a major barrier to health, education, and dignity for millions of girls and women.

9

It’s mind-boggling why sanitary wear is not free for women in general. Lack of any period wear as well as education about reproductive health in rural areas has cost lives of many men and women.

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ending period poverty demands urgent action, as it’s not just about menstruation but about dignity, equality, and public health. Breaking the silence is the first step toward real change.

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This is definitely true. The fact that so many young girls have no idea about this and feel ashamed to go out shows how deeply this issue affects our population. It’s important to educate people from rural and semi-urban area about menstrual health to eliminate social stigma and increase access.

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Period poverty remains a pressing but often silenced issue in India, affecting the health, education, and dignity of millions of women and girls. Breaking the silence requires more than just affordable menstrual products—it demands open conversations, community awareness, and policy-level support to normalize menstruation as a natural process rather than a taboo. Only by addressing both access and stigma can we move towards true menstrual equity.

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agreed and awareness should be done

1 Like
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Awareness about eco-friendly alternatives makes a big difference as its environment safe. As sanitary pads are made with chemicals which are harsh, it’s safe to use eco-friendly alternatives like menstrual cups, biodegradable napkins because health is our priority.

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Period poverty is a serious issue that affects health, education, and dignity of many girls in India. Using unsafe materials during periods can lead to infections and long-term problems. It’s sad that many still miss school because of this. We need more awareness and support from both government and society. Free pads, reusable options, and open talks can make a big difference. Menstruation should never be a reason for shame or silence.

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Period poverty in India is a deeply rooted issue that affects not just health, but also education, dignity, and gender equality. Millions of women and girls lack access to affordable sanitary products, clean toilets, and safe menstrual hygiene practices. This results in a cycle of poor health, missed opportunities, and social exclusion.

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People don’t even say the word period in front of their own family
Educating communities?

There’s a lot to develop here about this issue !

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Cherishing period poverty requires ensuring affordable and sustainable menstrual products, improving access to clean sanitation facilities, and providing education to remove stigma. Community awareness and government support must go hand in hand to normalize menstruation.

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Behind every skipped class and unsafe cloth pad is a girl who deserves better. Periods shouldn’t limit a life. It’s time we talk openly, act boldly, and make menstrual hygiene a right — not a privilege.

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Another major problem is proper disposal of pads as pad incinerators are not that common and improper disposal of sanitary napkins give rise to further menace.

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Yes …we need to open up as doctors or as females to discuss the scenario, more communication will lead to more awareness & hence less period poverty