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India Tackles Menstrual Myths and Stigma: Government and Civil Society Push for a Healthier Dialogue

From the central Health Ministry’s recent myth-busting effort to grassroots social campaigns led by civil society, a multi-pronged approach is emerging to address the deep-rooted challenges Indian women face.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• May 29, 2025

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India is taking bold steps to normalize menstruation and improve menstrual health management through government initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and a growing national conversation around access, affordability, and stigma. From the central Health Ministry’s recent myth-busting effort to grassroots social campaigns led by civil society, a multi-pronged approach is emerging to address the deep-rooted challenges Indian women face.

Government Busts Menstrual Food Myths to Promote Scientific Awareness

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under its adolescent health initiative Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), has launched a campaign to dispel persistent myths surrounding menstruation, especially regarding food consumption.

A common belief in many Indian households is that girls should avoid sour or cold foods during their periods. The Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, firmly countered these notions, clarifying that no food is inherently harmful during menstruation. Instead, it emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, rich in iron, calcium, protein, and fiber, to help manage symptoms like cramps, fatigue, and irregular cycles.

“Menstruating individuals must not be burdened by dietary restrictions based on misinformation. What they need is nourishment and support,” said a Ministry official, adding that such myths only reinforce stigma and isolation.

"Maheena Aa Gaya": Campaign Calls for New Perspective on Periods

On World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28), Tata Trusts launched a national social media campaign aimed at reframing how India views menstruation. Titled “Maheena Aa Gaya” (The Month Has Come), the campaign promotes menstruation as a positive indicator of health rather than simply a marker of fertility.

The campaign includes short videos and jingles targeting key influencers—mothers, husbands, community health workers, and educators. It encourages conversations within families and communities about periods, health, and the need for dignity in menstruation.

“Menstruation is often seen as something impure or taboo, but it is a vital sign of a woman’s overall health,” said Dr. Akshata Joshi, a gynecologist involved with the initiative. “Through this campaign, we want to change that narrative.”

The Larger Picture: A Mixed Landscape of Progress and Barriers

India has made significant strides in menstrual health awareness over the past decade. According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), the percentage of young women (ages 15–24) using hygienic menstrual protection has risen to 78%, up from 58% in NFHS-4.

Sanitary napkin use specifically increased from 42% to 64% during the same period.

Urban-rural divide: 89.4% of urban women use hygienic methods versus 72.3% of rural women.

Education matters: Women with higher education are far more likely to adopt safe hygiene practices.

Yet, glaring disparities persist.

In Delhi’s informal settlements, for example, nearly 60% of women still rely on cloth due to the high cost of sanitary pads. A 2024 survey by NGO Chetna revealed that many families prioritize food over menstrual products, with girls often missing school during their periods due to lack of access to toilets and private changing spaces.

In Bihar, though menstrual hygiene indicators have improved—use of hygienic methods doubled from 31% in NFHS-4 to nearly 59% in NFHS-5—deep cultural stigmas remain entrenched. In many schools, menstruation is still not discussed openly despite being part of the curriculum. Teachers are hesitant, and girls remain uninformed until they experience their first period, often in fear and confusion.

A Call for Holistic Reform

Experts agree that menstrual health is not merely a hygiene issue but one of dignity, equity, and public health. Advocacy groups have called for:

Improved menstrual education in schools.

Access to affordable sanitary products, particularly in rural and low-income areas.

Infrastructure upgrades, including safe and clean toilets with water supply.

Inclusion of boys and men in the conversation to reduce stigma.

“India is waking up to the need for inclusive and informed menstruation policies,” said health policy analyst Anuradha Iyer in an interview. “But to truly change the landscape, we need sustained action—not just campaigns once a year.”

With its multi-tiered efforts—ranging from government-backed health advisories to creative public outreach—India is slowly but steadily shifting the menstruation narrative. However, lasting change will depend on bridging the urban-rural divide, ensuring menstrual equity, and removing the shame that still shadows this fundamental aspect of women’s health.