Menstrual hygiene challenges during covid-19 pandemic

Periods don’t pause for Pandemics.The pandemic has worsen the menstrual related challenges in women and girls around the world specially in rural areas.COVID-19 poses a disproportionate health risk to women of reproductive age in these settlements, due to combination of factors1. Limited ascess to water

2. Shared toilets which are scary to use in this situation ,but they are left with no option the only place available for most to take care of their sanitary needs.3. Hospitals becoming hotspots of infection.

As estimated 1.8 billion girls , women menstruates and yet millions can’t manage their periods in a safe and dignified manner.

Poor menstrual hygiene risks the lives of marginalised population with increased reproductive tract infection , urinary track infection, anemia and poor mental health.Also the restricted food and liquid intake can force them to be more prone to infections.Many of these concerns left unattended could even be fatal. So , Need to end this period poverty, To end this period poverty, we need to educate about menstruation for all ,this we possible by 2030 , if we invest now.It’s time for action.How to get in action?We can categories into – individual education, social awareness, material environmental

A/c to UNICEF 71% of teenage girls in India remain unaware of menstruation till menopause.Majority of women and girls in India have limited options for affordable menstrual hygiene.https://youtu.be/uWcUfOjHKv0

1. Individual knowledge : period are not to hide .. it has to discuss openly with family members.. even men should know about menstruation.

   
   

   It’s a normal physiological process.

   
   

   One should know how to deal with menstruation and

   
   

   Also know when to seek doctor’s help.

2. Social awareness:

   
   

   Enabling and encouraging menstruation is normal

   
   

   No taboos , no restrictions and clearing the myths .

   
   

3. Material environment:

   
   

   Material to absorb/ collect menstrual blood

   
   

   Private and clean facilities to change and dispose material ( at home , at school and at work)

   
   

   Facilities for body hygiene

   
   

How to make periods more sustainable?

1. Try reusable pads and tampons- only in case if you have a proper water ascessability and have a proper place to dry those under sunlight. Specially during winter and rainy it’s difficult to dry those which may lead to fungal infection.

   
   

2. In case if you don’t have a proper water facility but has a proper place to take care of sanitary need, then it’s better to switch to Menstrual cup.

   
   

3. If you don’t have a proper water facility and not proper place for your sanitary need it’s better to go for single use organic pads and tampons.

   
   

Sanitary material like – cotton pads, tampons n menstrual cups should be contributed from each individual, NGOs and Government across each corners to end this period poverty.