Asha’s struggle to attend school during her period almost cost her dream to complete her studies.
In India, particularly in rural areas, menstruation is considered dirty and impure. Hence, girls are discouraged to attend school during their periods. The unavailability of sanitary pads, inadequate sanitation and separate toilets for girls in schools compounds the problem, has a huge impact on girls school attendance and is a major reason for their dropping out.
“There was no privacy to change when required and I was hesitant to seek permission to go home”, says Asha. For some parents this stage also signals maturity and the time to get girls married. “My parents wanted me to leave school and get married”, adds Asha, now in 11th grade.
Identifying sanitation and hygiene as pressing needs, the government of Tamil Nadu and UNICEF initiated the Menstrual Hygiene and Management Program (MHM)in eight high schools in 2009.
“Improving sanitation facilities along with adequate hygiene services has a great impact on girls’ attendance", explains the Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist at UNICEF. The program focused on capacity building of teenage girl students like Asha to demystify taboos surrounding menstruation, orienting them to manage their menstrual process, and provide access to sanitary napkins and a place to dispose of soiled ones.
Through intensive one-on-one counseling, the myths and taboos on menstruation are on the way to being dispelled. Sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed in schools to promote privacy and easy access. “After the program was introduced, dropping out and absenteeism came down to near zero and the performance of the students improved", says the specialist.
The impact of the program can also be felt in the community. The girls feel empowered to carry the messages on hygiene practice into their households and community. “We have broken the culture of silence and are free to discuss the issue with our mothers, older sisters and other girls in our community. We are able to guide girls in their preparation for their first period”, expressed Ramiah, a member of the school counseling team and a friend of Asha.
Demanding privacy for managing their periods, girls like Asha and Ramiah were able to convince their parents to make a toilet at home. Over thirty families have built toilets in their homes after persistent demands from the girls, who are slowly bringing about social change in their community.
Source: UNICEF
