
Initial Hygiene Breaks the Silence on Periods with "If Periods Could Talk" Menstrual Hygiene Day Campaign
VMPL
New Delhi [India], May 29: This Menstrual Hygiene Day, Initial Hygiene is breaking the silence surrounding periods with a campaign that gives menstruation a voice of its own--#PeriodDignity. Initial Hygiene, India's leading hygiene services provider, has launched a compelling advocacy campaign titled "If Periods Could Talk." The campaign brings to life the inner monologue of menstruation itself--giving voice to the millions of women across India who menstruate and often face silence, shame, and a lack of essential hygiene facilities.
Through evocative messaging and personification on social media, the campaign shines a light on the everyday contradictions surrounding menstruation -- hotels that stock snacks but not pads, offices that invest in comfort but overlook menstrual care, and a culture that treats a biological reality as taboo. If Periods Could Talk is a call to action for #PeriodDignity, reminding us that while periods ask for dignity, Initial Hygiene helps deliver it.
India's menstrual hygiene landscape reveals stark realities. Despite widespread use of sanitary products, many still rely on unhygienic alternatives due to limited access to proper facilities. Across the country, countless girls are forced to abandon their education simply because safe and dignified menstrual care is not available to them. These challenges are not just isolated issues--they reflect a deeper, systemic problem where institutional neglect and cultural silence combine to create a crisis of dignity, health, and opportunity for those who menstruate.
Through this campaign, Initial Hygiene is calling for systemic change and steering conversation that can encourage companies to look for scalable solutions. The brand has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive menstrual hygiene infrastructure--ranging from feminine hygiene units and sanitary napkin vending machines to complete washroom hygiene and maintenance services. These solutions ensure that menstruation is managed with dignity, discretion, and reliability, transforming washrooms into truly inclusive spaces.
Nishat Goyal, Chief Operating Officer of Initial Hygiene India, emphasized the need for this shift, stating, "As an organization Initial Hygiene has been a steadfast partner for washroom hygiene with a special emphasis on securing professional spaces for millions of women. Through this campaign on World Menstrual Hygiene day, we seek to call out the contradictions and challenge work places, public institutions and society at large to invest in infrastructure that provides women the period dignity that they deserve"
With "If Periods Could Talk," Initial Hygiene is not only sparking a national conversation but also challenging confronting the stigma, and encouraging institutions to invest in infrastructure. As a society we need to ensure that no one is denied education, comfort, or dignity simply because they menstruate. Because when periods talk, it's time we all listen.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKMkfOjTwgl/?igsh=MW5saWplNmE1bGRnNw==
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About Rentokil Initial: Initial Hygiene is India's leading hygiene service provider, operating across North America, Europe, the UK & Rest of World, Asia, and the Pacific in more than 88 countries. Initial Hygiene is part of the Rentokil Initial group and provides services that protect people and enhance lives, safeguarding against pest-borne disease risks and poor hygiene while protecting health, well-being, and brand reputation.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, Rentokil Initial Hygiene calls on organisations across India to listen to these voices, acknowledge these truths, and create workplaces where periods are met with dignity, not silence. Because when clean disposal isn't accessible, it's not hygiene that's lacking - it's dignity.
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Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Do you shower more during your periods? Doctor shares the right menstrual hygiene routine
Menstruation is a natural biological process, but maintaining proper hygiene during periods is essential to prevent infections and ensure overall well-being. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Manjusha Goel, lead consultant, dept of obstetrics and gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said, 'One common question is whether individuals should shower more frequently during their period. The short answer is yes, but not excessively.' Also read | Doctor shares 5 important period hygiene tips that every young girl should follow for stress-free menstrual cycles The doctor explained that one shower a day is enough. 'A daily shower is typically sufficient for maintaining cleanliness and comfort during menstruation. Unless someone is experiencing heavy bleeding, has had a leak, or feels particularly sweaty, there's usually no need to bathe more than once a day. However, on days when the flow is heavier or after physical activity, a quick rinse in the evening can help them feel fresher and reduce the risk of odor or irritation,' she added. 'An ideal hygiene routine during menstruation includes a lukewarm shower once a day. While hot water may feel soothing, it can temporarily increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels. During the shower, it's important to gently clean only the outer genital area, the vulva, using water or a mild, fragrance-free soap. The vagina is self-cleaning, so using soaps or washes internally can disrupt its natural pH balance and increase the risk of irritation or infection,' the doctor added. Also read | Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024: Severe health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene Menstrual products: Changing menstrual products regularly is just as important. Regardless of the flow, pads and tampons should be changed every 4 to 6 hours. For those using menstrual cups, these can often be used for up to 12 hours but may need to be emptied more frequently during heavy flow days to maintain hygiene and prevent leakage. Wear breathable fabrics: Wearing clean, breathable underwear made of cotton also helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to discomfort or infections. It's best to avoid tight or synthetic fabrics during this time. Also read | Menstrual Hygiene Day: 10 must-have period products for a stain and stress-free cycle Wiping technique: Proper wiping technique is another key part of menstrual hygiene, always wiping from front to back helps reduce the risk of bacteria spreading to the urinary or vaginal area. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
The politics of periods: why India cannot afford to ignore menstrual health
Imagine Priya, a bright 13-year-old in a village nestled miles from the nearest town. Her first period arrives not with understanding or support, but with hushed warnings and a palpable sense of shame, passed down through generations. Given a rough, inadequate piece of cloth, she's quietly instructed to avoid the kitchen, refrain from touching the shared water pot, and crucially, stay home from school during those five days each month. The school's basic toilet lacks water, privacy, and disposal facilities, making managing her period there an unthinkable ordeal. Fearful of leaks, whispers, and breaking unspoken rules, Priya isolates herself, her education disrupted, her potential dimmed with each recurring cycle. Priya's story, sadly, is not unique. It echoes the lived experience of countless girls and women across India, particularly in rural areas. As Menstrual Hygiene Day observed on May 28 prompts reflection, it is crucial to acknowledge that while awareness around menstruation is growing in India, it remains largely absent from the mainstream political agenda and public discourse. Menstrual health is often relegated as a 'women's issue,' shrouded in a pervasive culture of silence and coloured by patriarchal notions that limit knowledge and open conversation. This silence translates into a chronic health and social challenge, where many lack adequate information, access to necessary products, and face stigma, impacting their well-being and participation in society. While efforts to distribute sanitary pads are visible and sometimes feature in government schemes, we must recognise that true access demands a fundamental shift beyond products towards systemic policy change and robust infrastructure. A complex reality Focusing solely on period product distribution dangerously simplifies this complex reality. While commendable progress has been made, with National Family Health Survey-5 data indicating that around 78% of individuals who menstruate in India may use commercial period products, this statistic masks a deeper infrastructural gap. The figure plummets dramatically when we consider those who have access to both products and essential water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities – clean, private toilets with water and soap. Shockingly, only about 27.7% benefit from this comprehensive access. This stark difference highlights a critical point: distributing pads achieves little genuine progress towards dignified menstrual health if individuals lack the basic infrastructure needed to manage their periods hygienically and privately, particularly in schools and public spaces. This lack of essential WASH facilities remains a persistent barrier, often highlighted during crises that disrupt normal life. The current political landscape shows some commendable, albeit limited, steps. Various Central and State government schemes, such as those under the National Health Mission or State-specific initiatives like 'Asmita Yojana' in Maharashtra or 'Swechcha' in Andhra Pradesh, aim to provide subsidised or free sanitary napkins, primarily targeting adolescent girls in schools. While valuable, these initiatives often face limitations. Their focus frequently excludes women outside the school system, those in the workforce, or other vulnerable groups. Additionally, distribution can be hampered by external factors like school closures, and the focus often remains narrowly on disposable pads, without adequately expanding knowledge on diverse, sustainable options like menstrual cups (despite pioneering efforts in States like Kerala and Karnataka) or addressing the crucial need for safe disposal and the environmental impact of sanitary pads. This lack of strong, consistent political backing, often stemming from the underrepresentation of women and their allies in decision-making spaces, means menstrual health remains a relatively neglected public health concern, susceptible to policy oversights like initial exclusion from essential items lists during emergencies or debates around taxation. Integration into national policy framework Therefore, building a truly stigma-free, inclusive menstrual health infrastructure demands its integration into the core of our national policy framework. This means legislating for mandatory, comprehensive, and scientifically accurate menstrual health education within school curricula for all students, treating it not just as biology but as essential for equity and empowerment. It requires prioritising and funding national standards for MHM-friendly WASH facilities in all public institutions – viewing this as critical infrastructure essential for public health, education continuity, and enabling of full economic participation. Health policy must be reformed to train healthcare providers for sensitive care, integrate MHM screening and treatment into primary healthcare, ensure insurance coverage, and use inclusive language for all who menstruate. Fair fiscal policies, such as eliminating discriminatory taxes on essential menstrual products and exploring targeted subsidies, are needed to ensure affordability is not a barrier to dignity. Policy levers should encourage supportive workplace environments with adequate facilities and understanding for menstrual health needs, recognising its impact on labour force participation. Crucially, these comprehensive interventions must be framed not as an expenditure, but as a strategic political and economic investment. Ensuring economic viability requires moving beyond siloed projects. Funding for MHM should be integrated into existing budgets for Health, Education, WASH, Gender Equality, and Rural/Urban Development, leveraging existing political and administrative structures. Smart fiscal tools like tax reform and targeted subsidies offer cost-effective ways to improve access. Supporting local social enterprises producing affordable, sustainable menstrual products can boost local economies, create jobs, and reduce import dependency, aligning with national development goals. Most importantly, policymakers must recognise and champion the significant return on investment: improved educational attainment, increased workforce participation, better public health outcomes, and accelerated gender equality far outweigh the costs. The economic and social cost of inaction – perpetuated by silence and policy neglect – actively undermines India's broader development objectives. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, the call must be for decisive political action. We need political leaders and parties to champion menstrual health not as a marginal issue, but as fundamental to human rights, public health, and national progress. It requires integrating MHM robustly into national development plans, legislative agendas, and resource allocation. While the efforts of NGOs and local champions are vital, sustainable change at scale hinges on political will. It is time to break the silence in our policy chambers and build an India where everyone can manage their menstruation with dignity, safety, and informed choice – unlocking the full potential of half our population. (Karan Babbar is an incoming assistant professor at Plaksha University. Email: phd17karanb@


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Menstrual health matters: Why menstrual hygiene must be a right, not a privilege
What Every Girl Deserves: Safe, Clean, and Shame-Free Periods In today's world, the taboo surrounding menstruation is not just a women's issue but has transformed as a major public health issue. Despite being a natural bodily function, instead of receiving the required basic tools for effective management and hygiene, menstruation is still surrounded with social stigma and become 'not-to talk about' a topic. Menstrual Hygiene Day serves both as a reminder and a call to action for something that is natural and a routine – Menstruation. It is startling to see how menstruation is still surrounded with so much silence, stigma and misinformation, that many girls and women have suffered in silence both physically and emotionally, just because of lack of support and right information surrounding periods. Menstrual hygiene has come way long far than just the use of sanitary pads or other products, and now raises the need for ensuring safe materials, access to cleanliness, availability of private and hygienic place to change and safe disposal, and at last, having the correct knowledge on how to care for one's body during these times. However, many girls and women, especially in the rural and low-income settings, are still deprived of these basic needs and knowledge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo It has been witnessed that in such settings where school going girls do not have access to hygienic products of washrooms in schools, often tend to skip schools on these particular days or even drop out altogether. Poor menstrual hygiene is also responsible for infections like UTI or RTI, skin issues etc. But going beyond these physical traumas, the silent emotional toll of embarrassment, shame and isolation also severely impacts their confidence and self-esteem. Apart from the mental strain and emotional trauma, some of the most common complications associated with poor menstrual hygiene include – 1. UTI's and infections – If the sanitary pads are not clean or changed timely, this leads to multiplication of bacteria rapidly leading to painful infections, and in some cases lead to long term reproductive health complications. 2. Risk of rashes and Skin irritation – Prolonged wearing of same pad or using inappropriate material can lead to itching, fungal infections or even rashes. 3. Elevated risk of HPV infections – Repetitive infections can lead to chronic inflammation, developing a vulnerable environment for more serious complications, especially in the cervix. This can raise the risk of developing HPV infection. Basic but Essential tips to maintain Good Menstrual Hygiene Maintaining good menstrual hygiene, need not be complicated or expensive, but following the below mentioned basic tips will work – 1. Cleanliness and comfort - Choose the best suited sanitary product, which is clean and comfortable, be it sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cup or even reusable cloth pad. 2. Change Frequently - As the thumb rule says, it is advisable to change every 4-6 hours or sooner if required. 3. Wash with clean water – During every change, warm water is usually enough to clean the area, and avoid using any harsh soaps or intimate washes. 4. Sensible Disposal – before discarding the used pads, wrap it in paper, or if one is using reusable cloth pads, then it is advised to wash the cloth properly and dry it in sunlight before next use. These might seem like small steps, but together they can prevent a range of problems and make a huge difference to overall well-being. Everything Starts at Home! Even today, in many homes, menstruation is still a stigma, considered a quiet topic, which is often perceived by daughters in whispers with misinformation, being too late, frightening or confusing. Ans in some parts of our country girls are still considered as impure during their menses, and not allowed to cook, go to temples, or even sit at common places in house. All this need to change. Mothers should be responsible to make their daughters feel comfortable to talk about their first period(menarche), and the school education should also include boys on this topic. The more we normalize it, the less stigma there will be. (Dr. Mannan Gupta, Chairperson & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi) One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change