Support for menstrual health for girls in India

“Before, when I got my periods, I did not go to school, I was afraid of being humiliated, so I just stayed at home,” says Meena (name changed), a 17 years old school girl.

Meena is not alone, According to early research; many girls in rural and urban slums in India miss up to three days of school each month because they have their periods. The reason is multifaceted – safe, private toilet facilities are often not accessible at school and neither are commercial sanitary pads, which are an unattainable expense for many families. Girls particularly in rural areas often use unhygienic practices like rags or even dry leaves, paper to manage their menstruation, which is unbelievable as well as unhygienic.

Whereas, Cultural taboos that prohibit girls and women from everyday activities, including cooking or washing dishes, during menstruation also contribute to a widespread belief that periods are unclean. Misinformation and lack of knowledge about menstrual hygiene management lead to a negative impact on girls’ physical as well as mental health.

The SMILEY DAYS PROGRAM that IDF has been implementing with the support of donors like you is designed to break down the stigma surrounding girls’ menstruation while educating girls and women on their changing bodies and providing a hygienic and sanitary learning environment. Under this program, the girls are provided with Smiley kits that consist of sanitary pads, vaginal wash, soap, panty etc.  

“Some of my school girls and their mother were afraid to talk about the menstruation. But when we attended the Smiley Days workshop in the school and talked with the Smiley Days team, we feel comfortable to discuss on the topics and ask our issues on menstruation easily. Now my friends and I know the reason for menstruation and how to maintain hygiene during periods to stay happy and healthy.” Says Meena.

Thank you so much for your support that helps us in changing many lives in India.

Regards,
Team IDF