Menstruation is still considered a taboo in the Indian society. Even today, the cultural and social influences on people create a major hurdle in ensuring that the adolescent girls are given proper knowledge on menstrual hygiene. Mothers are also reluctant to talk about this topic with their daughters and many of them lack scientific knowledge on puberty and menstruation. Only less than 18 per cent of Indian women use sanitary pads. This is, no doubt, a consequence of greater attention to menstrual hygiene management over the past few years in India. This not only prevails in the Indian society but is a global issue. It is not just women’s issue but a human issue.
If we wish to bring about a change in people’s behaviours, it is important to change the attitudes of people first. To bring about change, it is important to provide them accurate information so that they can form a strong attitude towards adopting safer menstrual hygiene practices. There should be initiatives like, pads should be given out by the school. It can help them to educate that they should use sanitary napkin.
There should be Increased awareness about risks and myths of menstruation, Knowledge about usage and disposal of sanitary napkin. There is a widespread restrictions and negative perceptions around menstruation that contribute to strong gender disparities in health, education and work participation. Very less women have access to Sanitary napkin. Males need to participate in this discussion as everyone should be aware about it, Community leadership will result in further enhancement of the program, More menstrual promotion activities like posters will create more awareness.
Social psychology also plays an important role in addressing these issues. Social psychologists tackle issues that can have a significant impact on individual health and well-being, from understanding bullying behavior to analyzing why people sometimes fail to help individuals in need.
