Breaking the Silence: Promoting Menstrual Hygiene in Rural India

10 Dec 2024 17:31:15
Breaking the Silence: Promoting Menstrual Hygiene in Rural India 


By Adv. Bhumita Sawarkar, Founder, HER Foundation
  
Menstrual hygiene is a critical yet neglected issue in rural India, where cultural stigmas and lack of awareness perpetuate unhealthy practices. Alarmingly, 71% of girls are unaware of menstruation before their first period, and only 3% of rural women use sanitary pads. This leads to dire consequences, such as 23 million girls dropping out of school annually upon reaching puberty.
 
The Challenges in Rural Areas
In rural communities, menstruation is often surrounded by myths and taboos, resulting in:
Limited education about menstrual health.
Restricted access to sanitary products.
Poor sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of infections.
 
HER Foundation: A Beacon of Hope
The HER Foundation works tirelessly to address these challenges under its mission of Hygiene, Education, and Rural Development. By empowering women through education and providing affordable sanitary products, we aim to:
Dispel myths surrounding menstruation.
 
Promote safe hygiene practices.
Create a supportive environment for women and girls.
 
Our Motto: For Women, With Women, By Women, To Women
At HER Foundation, we stand for equality and empowerment, eradicating discrimination based on gender, color, caste, or religion. Our vision is to foster self-sufficiency and independence among women, ensuring dignity for all.
Together, let’s break the silence and create a future where every girl can manage her period with confidence and pride.
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