Adolescent girls require effective menstrual hygiene management to navigate school during menstruation, a critical period marking their transition into womanhood. Despite menstruation being a natural aspect of life, cultural taboos and social norms often restrict experiences, underscoring the need for improved awareness and support.
Dr. Akanksha Khanduja of Orchid Clinic in Faridabad emphasizes that adolescence marks the beginning of challenges like harassment and stigma for girls, stressing the importance of educating them on menstrual hygiene to foster responsible reproductive health behavior and prevent future health complications.
Ameet Babre, National Program Manager at Nutrition International, highlights India's significant adolescent population, constituting 25% of the nation. Inadequate menstrual hygiene management among girls aged 15-19 is a pressing public health issue, with 1 in 5 girls reportedly dropping out of school during menstruation, endangering both education and health.
Mr. Ameet emphasizes that educating youth about menstrual hygiene management can determine whether a female student remains in the classroom or not.He shared the reason :
School attendance facilitates access to vital resources like mid-day meals and iron-folic acid supplements, crucial for combating anaemia.
Education correlates with lower rates of early marriage and teenage pregnancy on a global scale.
Parental involvement in promoting menstrual hygiene, dispelling myths, and being informed about menstruation is pivotal.
Male teachers and male students need MHM training to foster a supportive environment for girls.
Teaching young girls about nutritional diversity, including iron-rich foods like beetroot and spinach, aids in preventing conditions like anaemia.
Dr. Gargi Khokhar BDS, MIDA, PGDCC emphasizes that cultural taboos hinder proper menstrual health education, leading to stigma and misinformation. Accurate information can prevent infections and boost academic performance and self-esteem, highlighting the societal importance of prioritizing menstrual health education.
Sources - Zee News
Comments