This article will describe in detail the issue of menstrual hygiene in India, perceptions of menstruation, and associated problems.
These UPSC Notes on menstruation and its perceptions are aligned with the UPSC Syllabus and aspirants should prepare this topic for General Studies Paper I.
Women’s health and related issues are frequently seen in the news and hence its relevance for the UPSC Mains.
IAS Exam aspirants can find more notes for UPSC Mains General Studies topics from the links given at the end of the article.
| Candidates who are preparing for UPSC 2023 may learn more about the examination with the help of following links: |
Menstruation – A Taboo in India
Context
- In February 2020, an incident in Gujarat’s Bhuj where girl students were asked to remove pants to prove that they are not menstruating has brought back the stigma surrounding the menstruation.
- Low awareness about menstrual hygiene and the continued association of menstruation with “pollution-purity”.
- The Sabarimala judgement also reignited the debate about menstruation and purity.
- Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed every year on May 28. (Learn more about national and international dates and days of the year in the linked article.)
Issues
- Recent studies showed that awareness about menarche (onset of menstruation) is very low.
- Even the discussion about the topic is considered a taboo.
- There is a high level of stigma regarding menstruating women. Women are not allowed to enter kitchens while they are on their periods. They are also not allowed to eat along with their families or travel outside the house.
- Many women lack awareness about sanitary products and use unhygienic clothes during their periods. This causes rashes, various infections, and even cervical cancer.
- As per health ministry data, only 12% of India’s 355 million women use sanitary napkins. Over 88% of women resort to alternatives such as un-sanitized cloth, ashes and husk sand.
- Women are unable to go out for work during their periods due to superstitions associated with menstruation. This reduces the wages they receive which in turn hurts their financial independence.
- Sanitary napkins are not easily available, especially in the rural areas and since there is a level of secrecy supposed to be maintained about it, its unavailability never becomes a topic of debate.
- Most of the female hygiene products are also costly and women from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) or Low Income Groups (LIG) are unable to afford them regularly.
- In short, the three A’s – Awareness, Accessibility and Affordability are major factors affecting this issue.
Aspirants can refer the UPSC Mains Syllabus at the linked article.
Candidates may learn about the government schemes launched in favour of women empowerment:
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | One-Stop Centre Scheme |
| Ujjawala Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) |
Way Ahead
- Menstrual hygiene campaign like ‘Chuppi todo, Sayani Bano’ of Rajasthan must be replicated across the country.
- Suvidha and Ujjawala schemes have been launched by the government to provide affordable sanitary pads.
- Methods popularised by the “pad man of India” Arunachalam Muruganantham must be scaled up so that affordable sanitary pads are available in all schools, offices and other public buildings.
- There is an emerging concern regarding the non-biodegradable nature of sanitary pads. Awareness must be spread about more eco-friendly alternatives like menstrual cups.
- The media has to stop tip-toeing around the topic. The advertisements for sanitary pads still show blue gel. The media ecosystem must embrace the colour red, for what it stands for. Only when mass media shows maturity can we expect sober discussions regarding menstrual and reproductive health to percolate to other sections of the society.
- A sustained campaign by respectable cultural leaders (poets, actors, film stars) about the need for an open dialogue about this topic is imperative. Only then will the society sheds its taboo around the subject of menstruation.
- It has been revealed in studies that apart from inadequate physical infrastructure bullying from boys also prevents school girls from adopting hygienic practices. Therefore, men must be made allies in the campaign to spread awareness.
Menstruation – A Taboo in India (UPSC Notes – GS 1) – Download PDF Here
Aspirants can check BYJU’S UPSC Notes page for free GS1, GS2, and GS 3 notes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Menstruation in India
Q1
Why is discussion about menstruation a taboo in India?
In India,Cultural norms and religious taboos on menstruation are often compounded by traditional associations with evil spirits, shame and embarrassment surrounding sexual reproduction. In some regions, women bury their cloths used during menstruation to prevent them being used by evil spirits.
Q2
What are the 4 stages of menstrual cycle?
The four phases of the menstrual cycle are menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
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