Periods, Power, and Participation:

Menstrual health affects education, work, and dignity - yet it’s still treated as a personal issue.

According to NFHS-5:

• Only 77% of Indian women use hygienic menstrual methods
• School absenteeism rises sharply during menstruation This isn’t biology - it’s access failure.

When menstruation is hidden:

• Girls miss school
• Infections go untreated
• Women lose workdays Silence leads to exclusion.

Access to sanitary pads enables:

• Continuous education
• Workforce participation
• Confidence in public spaces Snehdhara’s pad distribution and awareness sessions address both material access and stigma.

Pads without information don’t solve the problem. Community conversations:

• Break myths
• Encourage healthcare access
• Build long-term behavioural change

• Normalise conversations
• Involve men and boys
• Support grassroots initiatives

Menstrual health isn’t a “women’s issue.” It’s about equality, participation, and dignity.

Support Snehdhara’s menstrual health initiatives and help communities move forward - together.