Period poverty or lack of access to menstrual hygiene products affects women and girls globally1. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5, nearly half the women and girls in India between 15-19 years of age still use a cloth during their period². Some women and girls still use makeshift ‘pads’ stuffed with hay, ash, mud and even husk, exposing them to several vaginal infections and reproductive health issues which, if left untreated, can prove to be fatal including leading to cervical cancer. Recognizing period poverty and ending period shame, therefore, is the need of the hour. Most girls become aware about menstruation only once they begin menstruating with many quitting schools due to period shame.

Addressing this period poverty and ending period shame is, therefore, the need of the hour. Impact Guru Foundation’s menstrual hygiene program works to destigmatize menstruation, encourage open discussions on menstrual health and to provide access to menstrual hygiene products to women and girls in rural and remote areas.

An on-ground team also conducts awareness sessions and camps in schools in rural areas so that girls who had dropped out can resume school and can also raise awareness at home among other women in their families and communities. We also distribute menstrual hygiene kits as part of our sessions.

A menstrual hygiene kit contains:

• 156 sanitary pads which can support 13 menstrual cycles
• 1 Booklet on menstrual hygiene awareness
• Soaps
• Reusable Bag

In addition to raising awareness on menstrual hygiene and providing kits to girls and women, Impact Guru Foundation raises awareness about cervical cancer – the second most common cancer among women and girls. If ignored, poor menstrual hygiene can potentially lead to cervical cancer³. Raising awareness about the HPV vaccine and its role in preventing cervical cancer is another important aspect of our awareness sessions.