Menstrual hygiene management is need of the hour: ASSOCHAM CSR Council Chairperson

Laying out the facts and figures around this matter of great importance, he said "The effectiveness of menstrual hygiene management continues to be an area that receives less than the desired attention. The National Family Health Survey indicates that around 22.7 per cent of women in India do not use hygienic methods for menstrual protection. Lack of access to menstrual hygiene facilities contributes to school absenteeism among girls, with around 23 per cent dropping out of school after reaching puberty. To address the same, the Government of India has been running a scheme for the promotion of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years in rural areas. However, amidst these challenges, there's a growing recognition of the need for innovative and impactful solutions to address menstrual hygiene effectively." The Menstrual Hygiene Conclave and Awards, aim to raise awareness, encourage innovation, and improve menstrual hygiene management, contributing to better health outcomes and reducing stigma around menstruation. The categories in which they were awarded include the most innovative product in menstrual hygiene, maximum impact by a CSR initiative in menstrual hygiene- Corporate/PSUs, maximum impact by a CSR initiative in menstrual hygiene- Implementing agency/NGO and MHM Champion of the Year. Speaking on the need to create awareness and address the various taboos around this subject, Anil Rajput said: "Over the years, recognising the crucial need to break the silence and raise awareness about menstrual hygiene practices, as well as to combat menstrual stigma and create a supportive environment where every woman and girl can manage her menstruation hygienically, ASSOCHAM has been consistently organising conferences on the different aspects of menstrual health and awareness". Anil Rajput also underscored the need to double down on efforts in addressing the various facets of menstrual health and hygiene, He emphasised that "By highlighting exemplary efforts in this area, ASSOCHAM seeks to foster a supportive environment for menstrual health and hygiene, involving various stakeholders including businesses, NGOs, and government bodies. Let's all redouble our efforts towards menstrual awareness and health and contribute towards building an even more resilient, participatory and powerful India." The government on its part has been playing a vital role in addressing this important subject as it has taken multiple steps to improve menstrual hygiene practices through the schemes/interventions of various Ministries/Departments. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has implemented the Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene since 2011 to increase awareness among adolescent girls, to increase access to and use of high-quality sanitary napkins to adolescent girls and to ensure safe disposal of Sanitary Napkins in an environmentally friendly manner. Further, teachers and Frontline Workers - Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Accredited Social Health Activist workers and Aanganwadi workers are oriented appropriately in the scheme with the budget provided for the same under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. In addition, one of the objectives of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) components of 'Misson Shakti' is to generate awareness about menstrual hygiene and use of sanitary napkins. Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Dr Kiran Bedi who was the chief guest at the event, called upon stakeholders to conduct extensive research to strengthen the menstrual health management system. She also made an appeal to all the awardees to join hands and identify areas in their region to work together and address this issue by creating a mass movement on this critical subject impacting a large number of girls and women in our country. Addressing the Menstrual Hygiene Management Conclave, organised by ASSOCHAM in New Delhi, Dr Bedi said that policy intervention is extremely pivotal and emphasised that sanitary pads are also a necessity for women just like water and gas. Talking about the access to menstrual products in prisons, she expressed concern over the issue and called for immediate action.