Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products in Rural Areas
Menstruation is a natural and essential part of a woman’s life. Yet, for millions of women and girls living in rural areas, managing menstruation with dignity remains a daily challenge. Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, proper education, and sanitation facilities poses serious health, educational, and social consequences for rural communities worldwide.
In this article, we’ll explore why access to menstrual hygiene products is a pressing issue in rural areas, the impact on women’s well-being, and the efforts being made to bridge this critical gap.
Why Is Menstrual Hygiene Important?
Maintaining menstrual hygiene is essential for:
- Preventing infections (like UTIs, RTIs, or bacterial vaginosis)
- Protecting reproductive health and fertility
- Boosting confidence and dignity during periods
- Ensuring school attendance and workplace participation
Despite its importance, many girls in rural settings still use unsafe methods like cloth scraps, newspaper, ash, or sand due to lack of access to sanitary products. This can lead to discomfort, shame, and avoidable health issues.
Challenges of Accessing Menstrual Products in Rural Areas
Multiple systemic and social challenges make it difficult for rural women and girls to access proper menstrual care:
1. Affordability
Disposable sanitary pads can be expensive, especially for low-income families. A single packet may cost the equivalent of a day's wage in some regions, making it unaffordable for regular use.
2. Availability
Many rural villages lack pharmacies, general stores, or medical supply chains that stock menstrual products. In some areas, pads or tampons are simply not available at all.
3. Stigma and Cultural Taboos
In many rural cultures, menstruation is seen as shameful or impure. This stigma prevents open conversation about periods and restricts girls from asking for or purchasing products freely.
4. Lack of Education
Many girls don’t receive proper menstrual education, leading to confusion and fear when they get their first period. Without understanding menstrual hygiene, they are more likely to use unhygienic methods or isolate themselves during menstruation.
5. Poor Sanitation Infrastructure
Rural schools and homes often lack clean water, toilets, and private spaces to change pads. This discourages girls from attending school during their periods and increases the risk of infections.
The Impact on Women and Girls
The consequences of poor menstrual hygiene access are widespread and affect various aspects of a woman’s life:
Health Risks
- Increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections
- Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Long-term fertility issues in severe cases
Education Disruption
- Girls may miss 4–5 days of school each month
- Fear of leakage or teasing keeps girls from attending school
- Lower academic performance and higher dropout rates
Economic Impact
- Women may avoid work or public interactions during menstruation
- Lower workforce participation in rural economies
- Missed income opportunities and financial strain
Psychological Effects
- Shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem
- Social isolation during menstruation
- Feelings of inferiority or impurity
Government and NGO Initiatives
Fortunately, several organisations and governments have recognised this crisis and are working toward menstrual equity:
1. Government Schemes
- India: Schemes like the ‘Menstrual Hygiene Scheme’ (MHS) and ‘Suvidha’ programme distribute low-cost sanitary pads to rural girls.
- Kenya: Free sanitary pads are provided to schoolgirls under a national government policy.
- Uganda: Efforts include local pad production initiatives supported by the government and NGOs.
2. Local NGOs and Women’s Groups
- NGOs like Goonj (India), Days for Girls (global), and The Pad Project run campaigns and workshops on menstrual education and distribute reusable cloth pads.
- Community-led groups often empower rural women to make their own sanitary products, creating jobs and increasing access.
3. School Programmes
- Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) education included in school curricula
- Installation of clean toilets and disposal systems in rural schools
- Training of teachers to break stigma and support students
Innovative Solutions
Creativity and local engagement have led to innovative, sustainable menstrual product solutions tailored for rural environments:
- Reusable cloth pads: Cost-effective and eco-friendly; can last up to 2 years.
- Menstrual cups: Long-lasting and low-maintenance option once users are educated on usage.
- Biodegradable pads: Affordable and sustainable, made from banana fibre or bamboo.
- Pad-making machines: Some rural enterprises have adopted low-cost pad production models to empower local women and create community-based solutions.
Breaking the Stigma: Education Is Key
Empowering rural communities with knowledge is a powerful way to dismantle taboos:
- Community workshops to educate girls and mothers about menstruation
- Involving men and boys in conversations to reduce shame and support change
- Media campaigns using radio, street plays, or posters to spread awareness in local languages
When education reaches the village level, it breaks generational cycles of silence and gives girls permission to prioritise their health.
Role of Men in Menstrual Equity
Menstrual health is often seen as a “women’s issue,” but real change requires male involvement:
- Fathers, brothers, teachers, and husbands can foster openness and empathy
- Local male leaders can promote community dialogue and funding for menstrual hygiene
- Educated men can advocate for infrastructure and policy reforms
When men stop stigmatising periods, women gain greater freedom, safety, and support.
Case Study: India’s Pad Revolution
In Tamil Nadu, India, a social entrepreneur named Arunachalam Muruganantham invented a low-cost pad-making machine and trained thousands of rural women to manufacture and distribute pads in their communities. This initiative:
- Lowered the cost of pads from ₹25 to ₹2
- Created job opportunities for women
- Improved menstrual hygiene for thousands of rural girls
His story inspired the Bollywood movie "Pad Man," bringing national attention to menstrual issues and sparking similar grassroots efforts.
Global Perspective
Menstrual hygiene is recognised as a human right. Organisations like UNICEF and WHO promote menstrual equity through international development programmes. Yet, over 500 million women and girls worldwide still lack adequate facilities or products during menstruation.
From Africa to Asia to Latin America, the issue persists—but awareness is growing.
How You Can Help
If you’re passionate about menstrual equity, here are some ways to get involved:
- Support NGOs and charities that distribute menstrual products
- Donate to rural school pad distribution drives
- Talk openly about periods to reduce stigma
- Volunteer for menstrual hygiene education campaigns
Conclusion
Access to menstrual hygiene products in rural areas is not a luxury—it is a necessity. When girls are forced to choose between dignity and safety, it’s a failure of both health and human rights systems. Fortunately, through education, innovation, and grassroots initiatives, the gap is beginning to close.
Empowering rural women with affordable products, clean facilities, and accurate knowledge allows them to live healthier, fuller lives—not just during their periods, but every day.
FAQs
Q: Why are menstrual hygiene products hard to access in rural areas?A: Limited availability, affordability, stigma, and poor infrastructure make it difficult for rural women to access proper period products.
Q: What can be used as alternatives to disposable pads?A: Reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and biodegradable pads are popular alternatives that are cost-effective and sustainable.
Q: How can we improve menstrual hygiene education in villages?A: Through school programmes, community workshops, and involving both men and women in awareness campaigns.
Q: Is it safe to use cloth during periods?A: Yes, if washed and dried properly. Otherwise, it can lead to infections.
Q: What role do men play in improving menstrual hygiene access?A: Men can help reduce stigma, fund hygiene initiatives, support their families, and advocate for better policies and infrastructure.