Menstrual health literacy: Empowering women through education

Menstrual health education is about more than just biology; it's about creating empowerment, equality, and respect for women and girls everywhere. Imagine a world where talking about menstruation is normal, not hidden. In this world, every girl can attend school without fear, every woman can talk about her period cycle with respect, and can walk freely, knowing her body brings pride instead of shame.

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But in reality, about 88% of teenage girls have little or no information about menstruation in India. In most cases, when menstruation starts, it is often seen as a "curse" or a sickness, according to Child Rights and You (CRY). This lack of knowledge is not limited only to India. Globally, 1.8 billion women menstruate each month, yet over 500 million lack access to the right products or privacy needed to manage their period cycle responsibly. These figures represent real lives affected, chances missed, and dreams put on hold due to a lack of knowledge and resources about menstruation. For these girls, understanding menstrual health could change their lives from struggle to opportunity.

Menstrual health literacy is more than just basic information. For many, it serves as a pathway to liberation, assisting them in respectfully managing their health and making their voices heard. In resource-limited areas, the lack of menstrual health education keeps women and girls trapped in poverty and disadvantage. This issue extends beyond not having sanitary products. Imagine a young girl in a rural area where discussing menstruation is taboo and she lacks access to appropriate products and hygiene knowledge. Without menstrual literacy, her teenage years are filled with worry, confusion, and low self-esteem. However, with the right education, she can seize the power to make informed health choices, advocate for her rights, and escape the cycles of poverty and silence that have persisted for generations. The wonderful news is that progress is finally happening. In India, the government's Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Scheme offers free sanitary pads to girls in public schools, which allows them to stay in school and participate in their education.