Sanitation remains one of the crucial problems India has been dealing with for several years, especially for women. Menstrual health is one of the most taboo subjects in rural areas. According to research, 64% of the women in the rural areas still use cloth during their menstrual cycle. Using cloth during periods is said to cause several health issues such as urinary tract infections.
Addressing the issue, the All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said that the Congress will distribute free sanitary pads to the poor women in the country.
While talking to the media persons after speaking at the women’s rally in Bhubaneshwar ahead of the election, Lamba said that the project would start initially in the congress-ruled states and then be followed in other parts of the country.
“The money Congress received under ‘donate for the Nyay initiative’ would be used for the purchase of sanitary pads from the self-help groups. The pads will later be distributed free of cost to the poor women under the aegis of Indira Udaan. This will ensure livelihood support for the women self-help group members and protection for poor women, who have been deprived of sanitary pads,” Lamba said.
Mahila Congress is said to form women’s self-help groups.
The development of women from all corners of this country is equally important. Not taking proper care of hygiene can lead to several health risks that can majorly hinder education and economic participation. Recognising and addressing this taboo related to menstrual health in rural areas and the health risks associated with using cloth during the period was necessary. Initiatives like these can improve the health of women, majorly affecting the overall welfare of society in rural areas.
