Menstrual Health

Court orders nationwide rollout of free menstrual hygiene facilities in schools, making the Union government's policy binding on all government and private institutions

The Supreme Court has ruled that access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities is part of the right to life under Article 21, saying lack of access harms the dignity of girl children

Prominent gynaecologists and health specialists are endorsing moringa-based sanitary pads as a natural, skin-friendly option to help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections during menstruation, conditions that contribute significantly to women's health burden worldwide. Moringa, often dubbed the "miracle tree" in traditional medicine, is known for its wide spectrum of bioactive compounds. Modern scientific studies have begun to confirm many of its health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that are relevant to intimate hygiene and menstrual care. "A sanitary pad's top-sheet contacts sensitive intimate skin for several days each month," said Dr Richa Singhal, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, at Cloud Nine Hospital in Delhi's Patparganj. Incorporating moringa into pad materials can help minimise irritation and microbial overgrowth that lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and ...

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Observed every May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 urges global action to end stigma and ensure access to safe, affordable menstrual care for women, and girls who menstruate

Acer India has introduced a menstrual leave policy that would give female employees one additional day of paid leave per month, as the tech firm joined a growing roster of companies that are looking to foster a more supportive workplace and champion gender-inclusivity. In a statement, the company said its latest move would enable female staff to prioritise their menstrual health without impacting their regular leave entitlements. "Acer India has introduced 'Matrika', a menstrual leave policy to foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace...Under this policy, female employees will be entitled to one additional day of paid leave each month...," Acer India said. According to the company, the move aligns with Acer India's broader vision of creating a workplace that champions gender inclusivity, health, and holistic employee support. "A workplace that truly supports its people goes beyond policiesit fosters understanding, respect, and real change. With the 'Matrika' menstrual leave

Nearly 20 per cent of women and girls in south Asia abstain from regular daily activities during periods, according to a study published in The Lancet Global Health journal. The study found that overall, 15 per cent of girls and women in low- and middle-income countries do not take part in daily activities while menstruating. In west and central Africa, prevalence of menstruation-related absences were the second highest at 18.5 per cent. Researchers, including those from the University of Melbourne, Australia, also found that girls aged 15-19 years are the most affected, with over 17 per cent not participating in regular daily activities while menstruating. The study analysed survey data collected during 2017-2023 from households across 44 countries. Over 6,73,300 women and girls aged 15-49 years were included in this analysis. "The overall pooled prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism was 15 per cent, with prevalence being highest in south Asia and west and central Africa," t

The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court of framing the "Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls" approved by the Union Health Ministry. The Centre referred to a top court order of April 10, 2023, and said the Union Ministry of the Health and Family Welfare framed the policy over menstrual hygiene of female school children which was approved by the minister concerned on November 2, 2024. The top court was hearing a PIL filed by Congress leader and social activist Jaya Thakur seeking directions to the Centre and states to provide free sanitary pads to female students between Classes 6 and 12 and ensure separate female toilet facilities in all government, government-aided and residential schools. "This policy aims to mainstream menstrual hygiene within the school system of the government to bolster change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours, among schoolgirls, overcoming the barriers of low awareness that often restrict their freedom, mobility and participation in .

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) India unit has praised Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's initiatives for promoting menstrual health among adolescents in the state. A post on the UNICEF India's X account on Saturday night said Rs 57.18 crore has been transferred into the accounts of 19 lakh school-going girls in Madhya Pradesh as part of a cash transfer scheme. "We appreciate Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Mohan Yadav's initiative to promote menstrual health among adolescents," it said. "UNICEF India is working with the Government of India and stakeholders to promote school hygiene and menstrual health awareness," it added. According to officials, Yadav transferred a collective sum of Rs 57.18 crore to the accounts of 19 lakh girl students under the 'Samagra Shiksha' programme for sanitation and hygiene during an event organised in state capital Bhopal on August 11. Under the sanitation and hygiene scheme, funds have been transfer

The policy is aimed at supporting the health and well-being of the menstruating people and will be extended to both public and private sector

The national policy on distribution of menstrual hygiene products to adolescent school-going girls is at an advanced stage of formulation, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Monday. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala took note of the submissions of Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, and allowed her plea for grant of two more months for framing of the policy. The top court was hearing a plea of Congress leader and social activist Jaya Thakur seeking directions to the Centre and the states to provide free sanitary pads to girl students of class 6-12 and ensure separate female toilet facilities in all government-aided and residential schools. The framing of the national policy on the issue is at an advanced stage and two more months' time may be granted, theG said. "We will keep this matter on the first Monday of September month," the bench said. The plea highlighted the difficulties faced by adolesc

The Sikkim High Court registry said that women staff members are entitled to take 2-3 days of menstrual leave each month

Union Minister Smriti Irani warned that menstrual leave could lead to discrimination against women in the workforce

Several medicines in market have mefenamic acid as an active ingredient

According to a recent report, one woman generates around 14.1 kg of non-biodegradable waste in a lifetime if she uses commercially manufactured disposable sanitary pads

When information about periods is requested, Alexa will also answer using information from the UK National Health Service (NHS) website

Despite growing awareness about water and sanitation-related issues, menstrual hygiene facilities have been found lacking at the workplace in both the formal and the informal sectors