The lack of education and support surrounding menstruation in India is a serious issue that affects a large portion of the female population. With 71% of adolescent girls unprepared for their first period, many experience stress and confusion during this important milestone in their lives. Unfortunately, even mothers lack critical information about menstruation, which means they are unable to provide their daughters with the guidance they need. This lack of education is compounded by the fact that menstruation is rarely covered in classrooms, leaving many girls with little understanding of the changes happening in their bodies.
The cultural attitudes towards menstruation in India further exacerbate the problem. Menstruation is often treated as a dirty, unholy occurrence, leading to customs and restrictions that are based on shame and stigma. These attitudes are passed down from generation to generation, perpetuating the lack of understanding and support surrounding menstruation.
To address this issue, the Azadi Menstrual Web Page was created to fill critical knowledge and support gaps. The program provides adolescent girls with a trained counselor who can teach them about menstruation, menstrual health, and menstrual management. This program is particularly effective because of the ubiquity of mobile phones in rural India. The Azadi Menstrual Helpline has the capacity to bring information to thousands of girls, providing them with the guidance they need to navigate this important stage in their lives.
In conclusion, the lack of education and support surrounding menstruation in India is a serious issue that affects a large portion of the female population. By providing access to information and support through programs like the Azadi Menstrual Web Page, we can empower adolescent girls and help them to live healthy, fulfilling lives.