Women
At Parivartan Foundation, we are dedicated to improving menstrual hygiene in tribal areas, where women face unique challenges due to limited access to sanitary products, awareness, and healthcare. In these communities, many women rely on unhygienic alternatives like cloth, which puts them at risk for serious health issues.
Providing Sanitary Napkins:
We distribute sanitary napkins to women in tribal areas to ensure they can manage their menstrual health with dignity and safety. This initiative is vital in breaking the stigma around menstruation and promoting proper hygiene practices. By providing access to affordable, safe menstrual products, we aim to improve the overall health and well-being of women in these underserved communities.
Health Risks Due to Poor Menstrual Hygiene:
Without proper menstrual hygiene, women are at risk of a range of serious health problems, including:
Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs): Using unsanitary materials like cloth can introduce bacteria into the reproductive system, leading to infections.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Improper use of menstrual materials can lead to UTIs, which are common but preventable with better hygiene.
Bacterial Vaginosis: Poor menstrual hygiene increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis, a condition that disrupts the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Fertility Issues: Chronic infections due to poor menstrual hygiene can lead to long-term reproductive health problems, including complications during pregnancy and difficulty conceiving.
Survey and Statistics:
According to a study by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), about 70% of women in rural India still lack access to sanitary napkins, with the situation being worse in tribal areas. Many tribal women continue to use cloth, ash, or other unhygienic alternatives, putting them at a higher risk for infections. Moreover, the lack of education on menstrual hygiene exacerbates these issues.
By providing sanitary napkins and educating women on proper menstrual hygiene, we aim to reduce these risks and improve their overall health. We are also working to ensure that these women have access to information about menstrual health and hygiene practices, allowing them to make informed decisions for their well-being.
At Parivartan Foundation, we believe that access to menstrual products is not just about hygiene—it's about empowering women to live healthier lives, free from the stigma and health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene.
