Menstruation is much more than biological; it is one more way of reinforcing discrimination and perpetuating gender inequalities.

Though it is a natural process of the reproductive cycle, menstruation is still surrounded by myths, misconceptions and silence. The cultural and social influences appear to be an obstacle for the advancement of knowledge on the subject and this has persisted at the cost of women's health and safety.

In many parts of India, mentruation is still considered to be ritually impure and unclean. This leads girls to associate their own bodies with curse and impurity. But their trauma does not end there. Menstrual hygiene supplies being unavailable or unaffordable, inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation, discriminatory cultural norms and practices, all serve to the shame and stigma too often attached to menstruation. As these girls grow up to be women, they internalise these gender inequitable values.

However, there are many organisations that promote menstrual education and work with communities to break the taboo. We are one of such organisations, joining forces to end menstrual inequity and overcome challenges that result in girls and women being denied basic human rights.