Raghav Chadha Advocates for Menstrual Health Awareness in Parliament
Synopsis
In a powerful statement, AAP MP Raghav Chadha calls for the destigmatization of menstrual health issues, emphasizing that true progress in India can only be achieved when women can discuss menstrual hygiene without fear or shame.
Key Takeaways
Destigmatization of menstrual issues is essential for progress.
Over 35 crore women and girls in India face challenges discussing menstrual hygiene.
Menstrual hygiene is tied to health, education, and dignity.
Government initiatives aim to improve access to sanitary products.
Awareness and education are key to changing societal norms.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) In a compelling address, AAP MP Raghav Chadha emphasized the urgent need to destigmatize menstrual issues in India, asserting that a nation cannot be deemed truly progressive while 35 crore women and girls feel unable to discuss menstrual hygiene due to shame or fear.
“Menstrual hygiene is not an act of charity or a peripheral concern; it is fundamentally tied to health, education, and equality. Most importantly, it is about dignity,” Chadha stated in the Rajya Sabha.
He added, “When a girl misses school due to a lack of sanitary pads, clean water, or privacy, that is not just her issue; it reflects a collective failure on our part.”
Chadha pointed out the hypocrisy of societal norms, saying, “In a country where alcohol and cigarettes are sold freely, sanitary pads are still concealed in newspaper, as if they are something to be ashamed of. We have allowed a natural biological process to become a social taboo, transforming a scientific issue into a silence.”
In a post on X, he wrote, “I raised this matter in Parliament today, as it impacts over 35 crore women and girls in India. A nation cannot truly progress when millions of girls continue to experience fear, shame, and silence regarding such a fundamental aspect of life. The true measure of our progress will be the day every girl in India can attend school, live with dignity, and discuss this openly without stigma.”
According to data from the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) indicates that the percentage of women aged 15-24 using hygienic methods during their menstrual cycles has increased from 57.6% in NFHS-4 to 77.3% in NFHS-5.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, is advancing the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janausadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a significant initiative aimed at enhancing health security for women.
As part of this program, over 16,000 Janaushidhi Kendras have been established nationwide, offering Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins named 'Suvidha' at a cost of just Rs 1 per pad.
These sanitary napkins are environmentally sustainable, as they are produced from Oxo-biodegradable materials meeting ASTM D-6954 (biodegradability test) standards. An official statement noted that cumulative sales of Suvidha Napkins had reached 96.30 crores by November 30, 2025.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also runs a Scheme for the Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene (MH), aimed at enhancing awareness and access to sanitary napkins, as well as promoting safe and environmentally responsible disposal practices among adolescent girls (ages 10-19).
This initiative emphasizes raising awareness about menstrual hygiene, improving access to sanitary products, and encouraging proper disposal methods.
In collaboration with various line Ministries, the Ministry has formulated the MH Policy for School-Going Girls. This policy aims to enhance access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, gender-segregated toilets, and safe disposal facilities, while also integrating menstrual hygiene education into school curricula and prioritizing awareness and sensitization in educational institutions.
One of the goals of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) component of ‘Mission Shakti’ is to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and the utilization of sanitary napkins.
Point of View
It is evident that the stigmatization of menstrual health remains a significant barrier to gender equality and societal progress. Ensuring that women and girls can access necessary resources and speak openly about their experiences is essential for the advancement of public health and education in India.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is menstrual hygiene important?
Menstrual hygiene is crucial for health, education, and gender equality. It ensures that women can participate fully in daily life without disruption.
What initiatives are in place to improve menstrual hygiene in India?
The government has implemented several initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janausadhi Pariyojana, providing affordable sanitary napkins, and promoting awareness through the Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene.
How does stigma affect menstrual health?
Stigma surrounding menstruation can lead to shame and silence, preventing women and girls from accessing necessary resources and discussing their needs openly.
What is the current usage rate of hygienic menstrual products among young women in India?
According to NFHS-5 data, the usage of hygienic methods during menstrual cycles among women aged 15-24 has risen from 57.6% to 77.3%.
What is the Suvidha initiative?
Suvidha is an initiative under the PMBJP that offers Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at a subsidized rate, promoting both menstrual hygiene and environmental sustainability.
