Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Campaign: 'Let’s Talk About Periods'

Balasore, 28/5: (By Krushna Kumar Mohanty)
Menstruation, or periods, is a natural and biological process in the life of every adolescent girl and woman. Yet, it continues to be surrounded by shame and silence. Even today, many women face social stigma and familial discrimination due to menstruation, encountering various obstacles both at home and in the workplace. In response, a special digital awareness campaign titled ‘Let’s Talk About Periods’ has been launched to break the silence and build awareness.

Every year, May 28 is globally observed as World Menstrual Hygiene Day, with this year’s theme being ‘Together for a Period-Friendly World.’ Marking the occasion, IF I Foundation, Swasthya Plus, and Odishalive have jointly undertaken this campaign for the third consecutive year under the banner ‘Let’s Talk About Periods.’ Launched on May 20, the initiative will continue through May 29.

Under this campaign, a series of videos featuring interviews with medical professionals is being disseminated through social media, focusing on menstruation as a sensitive health subject. The campaign also highlights perspectives and experiences shared by noted social activists, celebrities, and young voices. It aims to cover various stages in a woman’s menstrual journey — from menarche (first period) to menopause (last period) — and bring these discussions into the mainstream.

Key topics addressed include the basics of menstruation, menstrual hygiene management, health issues related to periods and their treatments, as well as confronting age-old superstitions. The campaign also provides crucial information on menstrual products — from sanitary pads to eco-friendly menstrual cups and tampons.

“Countries across the world are now giving due importance to menstrual hygiene. Dedicated policies and programs are being formulated, and it’s time we prioritize widespread awareness so that menstruation does not become a barrier to women’s dreams and progress,” stated Siddharth Rath, the campaign director and CEO of Swasthya Plus Network. “That’s why IF I Foundation is using digital media to address this pressing public health issue,” he added.

IF I Foundation has partnered with international organizations coordinating World Menstrual Hygiene Day. Veteran journalist and communication specialist Nilambar Rath is leading the campaign as its chairperson.

Kalinga Hospital, Bhubaneswar, and Paradeep Phosphates Limited have come onboard as associate partners for this year’s campaign.

While the past decades have witnessed improved opportunities for women in education, healthcare, and social development, it is worrying that even today, over 500 million women and adolescent girls globally lack access to essential information, menstrual products, and proper hygiene management.

The major reasons behind this include financial constraints, traditional societal taboos, and a lack of menstrual education and awareness. To address this gap, the IF I Foundation, Odishalive, and Swasthya Plus continue to run this collaborative digital campaign every year to build a more informed and inclusive society.