The Karnataka government has initiated consultations to introduce one-day paid menstrual leave for women working in factories, IT, garment sectors, and multinational companies. This move aims to address gender-sensitive labor policies, given the significant female workforce in these sectors. The consultation committee includes legal and medical experts, psychologists, industry representatives, trade unions, and Labour Department officials. This progressive step towards gender-sensitive labor policies follows a national debate on menstrual leave, sparked by former Union Minister Smriti Irani's opposition in the Rajya Sabha in December 2023. Irani argued that such leave could lead to discrimination against women employees, prompting widespread backlash. Women activists view Karnataka's move as a positive step towards acknowledging and addressing the unique needs of women in the workforce. The provision of menstrual leave is seen as a way to support women's health and well-being, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.

In a groundbreaking move, Noise has introduced new features for its Luna Ring aimed at revolutionizing women's health tracking. This latest update provides personalized insights and predictions regarding menstrual health, catering to the diverse needs of women with varying menstrual patterns. The women's health sector faces significant challenges, particularly concerning menstrual health. Issues such as irregular periods, PCOS, and other menstrual-related conditions often go unnoticed or unaddressed due to inadequate education and societal stigmas. A recent survey by Noise revealed alarming statistics: while 82% of women acknowledge experiencing menstrual health issues, less than 7% have received proper education on these matters, highlighting a significant gap in access to accurate information. Furthermore, the survey highlighted discomfort among women in discussing menstrual issues with their families (26.3%) and a lack of understanding about menstrual health among men (68.1%). Additionally, 71% of women perceive menstruation as a taboo topic in academic institutions and workplaces. Crucially, the survey found that 35% of obese women have PCOS as an underlying concern, often overlooked by conventional health tracking methods.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of menstrual health, the correct use of menstrual products, and dispelling myths that can lead to significant health issues for menstruating individuals. Discrimination and inequality often limit access to sanitary napkins and toilets for women, adolescent girls, transgender men, and non-binary people, contributing to poor menstrual hygiene and related health problems, including stress and anxiety. This observance encourages people to overcome period-related challenges, empowering them to manage their sexual and reproductive health effectively. By promoting knowledge about the menstrual cycle and advocating for the use of menstrual hygiene products, Menstrual Hygiene Day helps prevent various illnesses and fosters gender parity. UNICEF supports governments in developing national plans that incorporate menstrual health and hygiene into sectors like health and education, aiming to create equitable conditions for all. The theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 is "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld," envisioning a world where menstruation stigma and taboos are eliminated, and everyone has access to the products, education, and infrastructure they need for a healthy period.

In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, the traditional practice of banishing women and girls to "period huts" during menstruation is undergoing a transformation. Thanks to the efforts of the Mumbai-based charity, Kherwadi Social Welfare Association (KSWA), these dilapidated huts, known as kurma ghar or gaokor, are being replaced with modern resting homes equipped with essential facilities like beds, indoor toilets, running water, and solar panels for electricity. While this initiative signifies progress in improving the living conditions of menstruating women, it also highlights the urgent need to address the stigma surrounding menstruation. Critics argue that dismantling these period huts entirely would be a more effective strategy, as they perpetuate the marginalization of women based on a natural bodily function. However, campaigners emphasize that these huts provide women with a safe space, even in the face of ongoing period-shaming. In India, menstruation has long been a taboo subject, with menstruating women subjected to social and religious restrictions. They are often considered impure and excluded from participating in social and religious activities, including entering temples, shrines, and kitchens. However, the situation for women from the Gond and Madia tribes in Gadchiroli district is particularly severe. Traditionally, women from these tribes are required to spend five days each month in isolated huts located on the outskirts of their villages. During this time, they are prohibited from cooking or accessing water sources within the village. Instead, they rely on food and water brought to them by female relatives. Any contact with men is strictly avoided, as it is believed to render them impure by association.

Period stigma, though prevalent today, has a long history steeped in cultural beliefs and societal norms. From ancient civilizations to modern innovations, the perception of menstruation has evolved significantly, yet challenges persist. Let's delve into the historical and cultural journey of menstruation and its impact on society. Ancient Perceptions: In ancient times, menstruation was shrouded in mystery and superstition. With limited understanding of biology, ancient societies often associated menstruation with mystical powers and religious significance. Despite its significance, documentation about periods among ancient peoples is scarce, primarily due to male-dominated historical records. However, glimpses into ancient beliefs reveal a complex tapestry of myth and reality. In various cultures, menstruating women were revered for their perceived connection to lunar cycles and fertility. Pliny the Elder's writings portrayed menstruation as a potent force capable of influencing natural phenomena. Similarly, Mayan mythology attributed menstrual blood to divine punishment and mystical transformation. While menstruation held symbolic significance in ancient cultures, the practical aspects remain elusive. Historians speculate about the materials used for menstrual hygiene, ranging from cloth to plant-based remedies. However, concrete evidence is scarce, leaving much to conjecture. Medieval Interpretations: During the Middle Ages, menstruation continued to be shrouded in secrecy and religious shame. Dr. Sara Read's research sheds light on how medieval European women navigated menstruation, often resorting to rudimentary methods like rags or absorbing blood into clothing. Religious taboos further stigmatized menstruation, associating it with sin and impurity. In medieval Europe, women went to great lengths to conceal their menstrual cycles, resorting to herbal remedies and seclusion. Religious doctrines reinforced the notion of menstruation as a reminder of Eve's Original Sin, perpetuating shame and silence.

While India strides ahead in numerous social spheres, it still grapples with the profound issue of menstrual health and hygiene, particularly due to severe period poverty. Shockingly, UNICEF reports that only 13% of Indian girls are informed about menstruation before their first period. Additionally, infrastructure inadequacies and other challenges cause 60% of girls to miss school during their periods or drop out entirely. In some instances, girls lack access to proper restroom facilities, having to use toilets without doors or sharing them with boys, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in this area. Advaitesha Birla, Founder of Ujaas, emphasizes the critical need for menstrual health and hygiene education in India. She sheds light on the prevailing challenges and offers insights into potential solutions. Educational Initiatives: A staggering two-thirds of Indian women lack access to safe menstrual absorbents, resorting to unhygienic alternatives like mud, cloth, and leaves. This practice leads to recurrent infections and, in severe cases, infertility. Lack of clean restroom facilities further exacerbates the issue. Considering the economic constraints faced by many women, affordability of sanitary products remains a significant challenge. It is imperative to ensure that every woman has access to safe menstrual absorbents as a fundamental right. Cost-effective sanitary pads and reusable silicon cups can be promoted at subsidized rates. Training women in rural areas to manufacture cloth sanitary pads offers a sustainable solution, reducing costs and providing income opportunities. Awareness and Gender Equality: Period poverty is deeply intertwined with a lack of awareness about menstruation, perpetuating stigma and myths surrounding this natural biological process. Addressing these misconceptions and educating women about the physiological aspects of menstruation can empower them to manage their menstrual health effectively. Moreover, menstrual hygiene is often neglected due to gender inequality, with many men lacking basic understanding of menstruation. Normalizing discussions about menstrual health and hygiene through public campaigns and educational initiatives, akin to the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, is essential to combatting period poverty. Community Engagement and Partnerships: Creating robust public-private partnerships is crucial in amplifying the reach and impact of menstrual health awareness programs. Government bodies, NGOs, and corporations must collaborate with grassroots organizations to implement sustainable interventions. Integrating menstrual health education into school curriculums and empowering communities through self-help groups can foster long-term change. Additionally, initiatives should be culturally sensitive, respecting local languages and indigenous cultures to effectively reach rural populations. In conclusion, addressing menstrual health inequities in India requires a holistic approach that encompasses education, awareness, and community engagement. By fostering a supportive ecosystem and empowering women, we can catalyze positive change and pave the way for a future where menstrual health and hygiene are prioritized and accessible to all.