Menstruation not a matter of shame, educate boys, says Irani

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day on Thursday (May 28), Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani called for educating not only girls but also boys that menstruation is not a matter of shame.

Menstrual Hygiene Day highlights the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. It also seeks to break taboos and negative practices around menstruation like enforced social exclusion of women and girls during their periods.

“Affordable sanitary napkins have been made available through all Jan Aushadhi Kendras thereby ensuring #MenstrualHygiene for millions of Indian women. On #MHDay2020 lets commit ourselves to educating not only girls but also boys that menstruation is not a matter of shame,” Irani said in a tweet.

Awareness generation of menstruation and menstrual hygiene is the need of the hour. Let’s ensure women’s health by promoting safe menstrual hygiene practices. #MenstrualHygieneDay #SafePeriods #SwasthaBharat #HealthForAll pic.twitter.com/jwviH0shp2

— Ministry of Health ?? #StayHome #StaySafe (@MoHFW_INDIA) May 28, 2020

National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma said a woman’s biological cycle should never become a barrier in the way of her opportunities. “At times when our country is aspiring to be a superpower, it becomes more of a responsibility to pull out of gender stereotypes and strive to get our daughters access to good menstrual hygiene,” she said in a series of tweets.

“A woman’s biological cycle should never become a barrier in the way of her opportunities. Every woman is entitled to safe periods. Access to good menstrual hygiene is a right,” she added. Menstrual Hygiene Day was first observed on May 28, 2014.