DO ACCESSIBILITY AND AWARENESS GO HAND IN HAND WITH regard to MENSTRUATION.

Every teenage girl and boy when are about to enter pubertythe process of body changes that cause a child's body to transform into an adult body capable of reproduction should be taught or be aware of the basic medical definition of menstruation and that it is a normal process that females go through as their bodies prepare for a possible pregnancy. It is a component of the monthly menstrual cycle that allows for pregnancy. The menstrual cycle (also known as a period or bleeding) is the process in which a woman discharges blood and other materials from the uterine lining (through the vaginal canal) at around one monthly interval from puberty until menopause (the end of regular menstrual cycles), with the exception of pregnancy. This process takes roughly 3-5 days to complete. Girls begin menstruation at the age of 12 on average.

We all talk about gender equality these days but when it comes to periods many people feel uncomfortable. This is still considered a taboo and many organizations; people are making their efforts to reduce the stigma. We are devout followers of eliminating the silence around menstruation hygiene, increasing awareness, and changing unfavourable social norms so that women and girls feel empowered to manage their periods safely, hygienically, confidently, and without embarrassment. We should live in a world where menstruation is a natural and normal part of life for all women and girls. Periods are an essential part of life. We can't change it, yet there is still a shame associated with periods. Approximately 300 million women are menstrual right now, which implies that one in every seven women you speak to is menstruating at any one time. Periods can make it difficult for females to live normal lives in many parts of the world. When it comes to their periods, girls still feel embarrassed or ashamed. use inappropriate sanitary products, and even miss out on important educational opportunities.India is working hard to increase the availability of feminine hygiene products in the workplace, addressing the fact that just 16 percent of women in India have access to them, 82 percent of women are unaware of them, and COVID-19 has produced a supply deficit.

Girls, on the other hand, can start menstruating as early as 8 years old or as late as 16 years old. Menopause, which happens at the age of 51, is when women stop menstruating. A woman's egg production ends once she reaches menopause (stops ovulating). Menopause is described as a year without periods during which a woman is no longer able to conceive.

The notion of period hygiene has also remained a concern in India, with young girls and women having limited access to menstruation education and basic sanitary care supplies. And pandemics don't halt the clock. In fact, lockdowns magnify the influence of household taboos and social stigma on women, making it more difficult to manage menstruation in restricted areas without shame or discomfort. Menstruation is linked to the commencement of puberty in girls, and it usually carries with its rules, limitations, separation, and a shift in society's expectations of girls. Women are barred from participating in day-to-day activities during their menstrual periods. For instance, women are not permitted to enter the kitchen or a shrine. The high percentage of illiteracy, especially among girls, poverty, and lack of understanding about menstrual health and hygiene are the key reasons why this taboo persists in Indian society Girls' freedom and health are hampered by these strongly ingrained social conventions surrounding menstruation.Several governments and non governmental organizationshave promoted menstruation hygiene through health awareness campaigns and the provision of sanitary pads for free or at a reduced cost.

When a documentary on menstruation, recorded in a country like India, won an Oscar last year, it was a major win for women everywhere. Period End of Sentence revealed what many already knew but was a revelation for others: there are women who must forego vital things like school and career for something as ordinary and natural as their monthly period.Supreme Court in 2019 also overturned an outdated ordinance that barred menstruation female worshippers from visiting Kerala's Sabarimala shrine and worshipping Lord Aiyappa. Sure, attempting an entry without armed guards is still a fool's errand, but at least our judiciary has taken a stand menstruation is a normal occurrence, not a reason for prejudice. As part of an experiment to promote menstrual hygiene in India, sanitary napkin dispensers have been installed in many institutions in Gurugram, as well as in outstation trains. However, in the vast majority of situations, the machines are inoperable. Perhaps it's time to put an end to these one-off experiments and mandate the installation of these machines around the country, with local, small-scale firms producing inexpensive pads supplying the stock. It not only provides greater job opportunities for the women who make these items, but it also ensures that no woman is more than a few minutes away from a pad, no matter where or when she is. But don't forget the most important element Menstrual hygiene habits are formed in the family. When it comes to building a clean toilet within the house, the idea of "I'm a woman, so I'll adjust needs to change, especially in rural areas. That isn't to say that city inhabitants have it easy in terms of menstrual hygiene, especially disposal. A few etiquette lessons and sanitary napkins should also be supplied here. For women, menstruation is painful not because of its biological implications, but because of the social stigmas and difficulties, it brings. Women's bodies will take care of the rest if you alleviate that, abolish the taboos, and make keeping menstrual hygiene easyThere is virtually little education about menstruation in schools in low and middle-income countries.

Due to the stigma, teachers are cautious and unwilling to discuss menstruation hygiene. Every adolescent girl and woman's life can be improved by receiving thorough knowledge about menstruation and management treatments along with good attitudes, Comprehensive sexuality education and training can also help to raise awareness. To strengthen their awareness and support, it is critical to incorporate teachers, health workers, men, and boys in training and education. It will contribute to the debunking of existing social and cultural taboos and discriminatory practicessurrounding menstruation. Access to basic sanitation facilities, as well as period absorbents, is essential for proper menstrual hygiene management. Every girl and woman should be aware of the numerous types of material absorbents that are utilized, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. Increased access to hygienic solutions should be a priority. They must follow regular vaginal health practices, such as changing sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours and applying vaginal creams, in addition to having access to hygiene options: Vaginal hygiene products, such as a strong vaginal wash, aid in the maintenance of vaginal flora while also lowering the risk of infection. It's critical to think about safe menstrual waste disposal methods and make sure that every girl and woman knows how to utilize them. Safe disposal entails avoiding human interaction and reducing pollutant levels in the environment. It is recommended that waste not be disposed of in open defecation fields, rivers, or ponds. The best disposal method is determined by the quantity and kind of materials as well as environmental factors. Last but not least, excellent menstrual hygiene management necessitates the use of private restrooms. Inadequate private sanitation facilities may deter women from entering the labor force and girls from enrolling in school. As a result, girls and women must have enough access to safe drinking water and sanitation. They require a secure, sanitary, and private room where they can change sanitary products and dispose of them safely.
The need of the hour is to educate females about menstruation facts, physiologic implications, importance, and basic menstrual hygiene practices. It is also necessary for them to overcome their fears of traditional ideas, misunderstandings, and limitations.

To reduce the taboo component of menstruation, schools should include sex education, focus group talks, and public media efforts. Not only mroms both the parents should be encouraged, along with the rest of society, to talk to their daughters about menstruation and menstrual hygiene.

Written by:- Bharat chauhan