Menstrual hygiene, a topic that has historically been stigmatised and held quiet, has seen an enormous turnaround in India in recent years. From government recommendations ensuring sanitary pad availability before board examinations to grassroot campaigns promoting sustainable menstruation products, the country is slowly adopting candid discussions and creative solutions to empower women.

A noteworthy finding from NFHS-5 (2019–2021) reveals that women between the ages of 15 and 24 are using more hygienic menstruation safeguard techniques. Compared to 57.6% in NFHS-4 (2015–16), 77.3% of women in this age range reported using hygienic sanitary methods during their periods, as per the data. Given that menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a crucial aspect of reproductive health, this increase is a reflection of rising awareness of and access to menstrual hygiene products. Additionally, MHM concurs with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for equitable access to hygiene and sanitation. Therefore, improving menstrual hygiene is crucial to promoting gender equality and public health.

A comprehensive approach to MHM that takes into account the intersecting factors not only enhances health outcomes but also promotes more general objectives for social and economic development. Better MHM promotes gender equality, breaks taboos, and uplifts women's dignity, all of which contribute to positive social change.

By promoting inclusivity and dispelling stereotypes, open dialogues about menstruation enable women to fully engage in community life. Having access to adequate facilities help women socially and increase their confidence. By gradually reversing detrimental gender norms, MHM contributes to the development of more just and encouraging communities. Moreover, by empowering women to fully engage in education and the workforce, improved MHM has

a favourable impact on economic growth as well. Girls attend school more frequently when sanitary and reasonably priced menstruation supplies are available, which improves their educational attainment and employment opportunities. At the national level, increased female involvement in the economy further promotes inclusive development and increases productivity, making it a crucial component of long-term economic growth.

Although there has been progress in MHM in India, there are numerous barriers to overcome, especially in rural and underserved areas. Disparities still exist even though 77.3% of women between the ages of 15 and 24 employ hygienic menstrual practices, according to data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5).

Only 42% of teenage girls in rural regions exclusively adopt sanitary practices, utilisation is as low as 24% in states like Uttar Pradesh. Insufficient availability of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities isanother one of the biggest obstacles to efficient MHM in India. This ground reality, particularly in rural and marginalised regions, reveals persistent gaps that prevent women from managing menstruation safely and with dignity. Even now, a lot of teenage girls have their period for the first time without knowing anything about it and frequently mistake it for a medical condition.

Mothers, educators, and medical professionals, all individuals whom could be the reliable sources of information, frequently feel too ashamed or unprepared to discuss it openly. Another challenge which can be noted is that lack of menstrual education for males reinforces gender divisions by solidifying the notion that menstruation is only a "women's issue." This inhibits shared accountability for assuring access to sanitary products, clean restrooms, or menstrual leave rules at home and at work, and it further perpetuates the cultural silence surrounding menstruation.

Therefore, there is a need for creative, inclusive solutions for menstrual hygiene issues, partcularly in underserved and rural communities. In rural India, MHM calls for locally relevant solutions. It is probable to break long-standing taboos and educate girls and families about menstruation through community-based awareness programs run by local women and skilled health professionals.

Both genders should have menstrual information included in school curricula, as by involving men and boys in community discussions, shared responsibility can be encouraged. Also, educators and medical professionals should be prepared to discuss it honestly and freely. Teens without access to formal schooling can be reached using local language applications and mobile health units. Schools and public areas must upgrade their WASH infrastructure, which includes sanitary, private restrooms with water, trash cans, and incinerators. These actions encourage cleanliness and lessen the financial strain on low-income families.

Safe menstrual hygiene habits for women and girls at home are directly supported by improved toilet accessibility. These inclusive approaches have the potential to close existing gaps and promote a society in which menstruation is handled with equality, respect, and support.

(Gazal Bhardwaj is a Senior Research Fellow at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.She can be reached at bhardwajgazal4@gmail.com)