We Still Need To Address Existing Gaps For Women Hygiene
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015-16, only about 57.6% of the Indian women use sanitary napkins and 62% women in the age group 15-24 years still rely on cloth during periods. A survey by Women Health Organization showed that at least 43% of women have experienced a situation where they did not have ready access to sanitary essentials at the beginning of their periods.
Everteen, involved in feminine hygiene, extended its support for kathak recital and dance ballet on women empowerment led by Dr. Rekha Mehra, a renowned kathak danseuse and social activist. Focused on the theme of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Everteen has claimed to undertake a contribution of sanitary pad supplies for 50 underprivileged girl performers from Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society.
To focus on societal issues Dr. Rekha Mehra has pioneered dance-based storytelling through thematic fusion ballets focusing on grave social issues such as HIV/ AIDS, global warming, impact of war, terrorism, Mumbai serial blasts, road safety, women empowerment, girl education, female foeticide, the five elements, wellness, needs of specially-abled children with physical and mental handicaps, issues of home-based workers, and more.
Menstrual hygiene is an integral part of personal sanitation and health. The Himalaya Drug Company along with Rotary Club of Bombay is aiming to initiate the installation of sanitary pad dispensers across schools and colleges. The sanitary pads will be accessible to girls at a price of Rs 2.
“A lot of young girls drop out of school due to a lack of affordable menstrual products. If we were to go by the statistics, 88% of women still don’t use menstrual products, and about 4 million women face barriers to comfortable and accessible menstrual hygiene. The need of the hour is to create an environment where these products are easily available at an affordable price,” says Anil Jiandani, Business Director, Pharmaceuticals Division, The Himalaya Drug Company.
PVR Nest along with its other partners National Commission For Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), Department of Women & Child Development (DWCD) have joined hands for the building of ‘Pink Toilets’ and taking care of its maintenance.
The aim is to create a hygienic public restroom for women and adolescent girls. The ‘Pink Toilet’ is equipped with a sanitary napkin vending machine, incinerator facility and has a breastfeeding area as well. Through this, women and children can address their health and hygiene concerns.
We need to focus on a hygienic and healthy environment especially for adolescent girls. To address barriers which women and adolescent girls face in using existing toilet facilities. Let us engage and educate communities to offer a clean and safer environment. Maintenance and awareness are equally important as it helps in long-term sustainability and to walk the extra mile in addressing existing gaps.
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The CSR Journal Team
