Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness and promote access to safe menstrual hygiene practices. In 2025, events and awareness drives were conducted at all 18 Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) in the city to mark day.
About Menstrual Hygiene Day
Theme for 2025:
- “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”
- Goal: To make menstruation a normal, stigma-free part of life by 2030.
- Encourages collective action to ensure menstruation does not hinder access to education, healthcare, or opportunity.
History of Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day):
- Initiated by: WASH United (Germany-based NGO) in 2013 via a 28-day social media campaign.
- First observed: May 28, 2014.
- Date significance:
- 28 – Average length of a menstrual cycle.
- May (5th month)– Average duration of menstruation is 5 days.
Understanding Menstrual Hygiene:
- Refers to the safe and dignified management of menstruation.
- Requires:
- Access to clean menstrual products (pads, cups, tampons).
- Private sanitation spaces to change products.
- Water and soap for hygiene.
- Facilities for safe disposal
Significance of MH Day:
As per UN Women, the day helps in:
- Breaking taboos surrounding menstruation.
- Educating young girls and communities.
- Improving access to menstrual products and sanitation.
- Empowering women to manage menstruation with dignity.
Mission of MH Day:
- Create a world where menstruation is normalised.
- Ensure access to:
- Affordable and quality products
- Period-friendly toilets
- Accurate menstrual health information
Menstrual Hygiene Status in India (NFHS-5, 2019–21):
Access to Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) Resources:
- Only 27.7% of women had access to all 4 essential MHH resources:
- Appropriate menstrual products
- Improved unshared toilet
- Water within premises
- Soap at handwashing point
Usage of Hygienic Methods:
- 78% of women aged 15–24 use hygienic menstrual protection methods.
- 50% of them still use cloth.
- Lowest usage by state:
- Bihar: 59%
- Madhya Pradesh: 61%
- Meghalaya: 65%
What More Can Be Done?
According to National Health Mission (NHM), menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue- it’s a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights.
Education:
- Integrate menstrual education into school curriculums.
Access:
- Ensure availability and affordability of menstrual products.
Infrastructure:
- Build period-friendly toilets and disposal units in public areas.
Policy Support:
- Governments must allocate funds and make menstrual health a policy priority.