Empowering Women: Reflecting on Menstrual Hygiene Day and the CSR Initiatives Driving Change in India

Menstruation is a natural phenomenon experienced by every woman. Maintaining proper hygiene during this time is essential to avoid infections and other health issues. CSR initiatives are playing a significant role in improving menstrual hygiene to impact the lives of women and girls worldwide positively. Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated yearly to create a world where no one is held back because they menstruate by 2030. The 2023 theme for the day – Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030 – raised awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. Especially in developing countries where women and girls face significant challenges due to a lack of access to menstrual products and facilities.

India, where menstruation is still considered a taboo subject in some places, has made significant progress in addressing menstrual health and hygiene through corporate social responsibility initiatives. For example, companies such as P&G, Johnson & Johnson, and Unilever have launched programs to provide menstrual products, education, and infrastructure to girls and women in rural and urban areas.

In India, several corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives have been launched by companies to support Menstruation Day and promote menstrual equity. These initiatives aim to give women the resources, knowledge, and support to manage their menstruation with dignity. Some of the examples of notable CSR initiatives by Indian companies:

• Project Shakti by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), focuses on empowering rural women by manufacturing and distributing affordable sanitary pads. By training local women as micro-entrepreneurs, the initiative creates livelihood opportunities while addressing the issue of access to menstrual hygiene products.
• Tata Water Mission, a water conservation organization, launched a menstrual hygiene program in India. The program provides education and training on menstrual hygiene to women and girls and also distributes sanitary napkins.
• Youngistaan Foundation is a youth-led organization that works to empower young people in India. The foundation has launched a menstrual hygiene campaign called “My Pad, My Pride.” The campaign aims to break the taboos around menstruation and promote menstrual hygiene among young people.

Raising Awareness menstrual health and hygiene through CSR Initiatives

CSR initiatives have emerged as powerful catalysts for change in menstrual hygiene management across India. Several domestic and multinational companies have recognized the need to address this pressing issue and have undertaken impactful initiatives to improve menstrual hygiene practices. These initiatives focus on creating awareness, providing access to affordable sanitary products, and supporting infrastructure development for improved menstrual hygiene management.

Education and Awareness Programs: CSR initiatives lead educational campaigns, dispelling myths and educating females about menstrual hygiene. By promoting open conversations and providing accurate information, they empower girls to manage their periods confidently and without shame.

Sanitary Product Accessibility: CSR initiatives address menstrual product accessibility and affordability. They establish manufacturing units, offer subsidized or complimentary products, and build distribution networks, combating period poverty and empowering women to participate fully.

Infrastructure Development: Improving infrastructure is vital for menstrual hygiene management. CSR initiatives have constructed toilets, disposal systems, and water sources, enabling safe practices and enhancing women’s well-being.

The Impact and the Way Forward

Menstruation Day and CSR initiatives in India have made progress in menstrual hygiene management, changing attitudes, reducing stigma, and empowering women. Challenges remain, demanding continued action for lasting change.

Promoting multi-stakeholder collaborations involving government bodies, NGOs, corporations, and local communities is essential to sustain this momentum. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, these collaborations can maximize the impact of CSR initiatives and ensure their long-term sustainability.

Incorporating menstrual hygiene education into school curriculum and sensitizing healthcare providers about the specific needs of women and girls during menstruation can further strengthen the efforts towards menstrual hygiene management.

Menstruation Day and the CSR initiatives driving change in India have played a transformative role in challenging taboos, raising awareness, and empowering women. By breaking the silence and addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with menstrual hygiene, these initiatives have laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Read More: Period Hygiene Matters: A Look at the CSR initiatives driving change in India