India makes progress on menstrual hygiene, but taboos and gaps in access remain
India has made strong progress in promoting menstrual hygiene. Government schemes, state-level initiatives, and increased awareness have helped more women and girls access sanitary products and information. Yet, social taboos, lack of education, and poor infrastructure continue to hold back millions.
A study published in BMC Public Health, a peer-reviewed scientific journal in 2022 revealed that just 57.6% of young women aged 15 to 24 years in India use safe menstrual hygiene products. The figure is even lower in rural and low-income areas. In states like Bihar, only 30% of women in this age group reported using hygienic methods during menstruation.
“Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet even today, it is treated as a secret or a source of shame.” according to Dr. Madhulika Sinha, Director & Head – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aakash Healthcare. “This silence causes real harm—girls miss school, suffer infections, and grow up believing that their bodies are impure.”
India’s commitment to menstrual hygiene began gaining real momentum in 2011 with the launch of the National Health Mission’s scheme for adolescent girls. Since then, several states have implemented their own initiatives, helping expand access and awareness,” said Dr Madhulika.
These schemes mostly aim to distribute free or subsidized sanitary napkins to school-going girls. Kerala and Karnataka have also promoted menstrual cups as eco-friendly alternatives, she said.
“Access to sanitary pads has increased, but that’s not enough,” says Dr. Amrita Razdan Kaul, Sr. Consultant- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Asian Hospital. “We must also ensure access to clean toilets, running water, disposal facilities, and education. Girls need to know what is happening in their bodies and how to care for themselves.”
In many homes across India, menstruating girls face restrictions. They are not allowed to cook, enter temples, or sleep in their own beds. In some villages in Maharashtra, girls are still sent to “period huts” with poor hygiene and no basic facilities, said Dr. Amrita
These practices do more than inconvenience—they hurt self-esteem, health, and safety, she said.
While girls in schools may benefit from pad distribution schemes, women working in the informal sector—like domestic workers or construction laborer’s—face unique challenges. They often lack privacy, toilets, and safe disposal options, she said.
“The situation is worse for those with disabilities. Public washrooms, school systems, and health services often fail to account for their needs,” said Dr Madhulika.
A 2022 private bill had proposed paid menstrual leave and free menstrual products for students and workers. But the Supreme Court refused to consider a Public Interest Litigation on the matter, calling it a policy issue.
Experts agree that improving menstrual health in India requires more than just distributing pads. It demands a multi-level approach. “Menstrual hygiene is not just about health. It’s about dignity, equality, and opportunity” says Dr. Madhulika.
Menstrual hygiene is a right, not a luxury. It is essential to educate both boys and girls about menstruation to transform it from a source of embarrassment into a subject of empowerment, said Dr. Amrita, noting that only by dismantling the social barriers around menstruation can we honor this natural biological process with dignity and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to manage their menstrual health safely and confidently.
