Every year, on May 28, the world comes together to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day—a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Despite being a natural biological process, menstruation continues to be shrouded in stigma and silence in many parts of the world, particularly in India. This silence contributes to poor menstrual hygiene practices, leading to adverse health outcomes, increased school dropouts among adolescent girls, and a deepening cycle of gender inequality.
At the heart of Menstrual Hygiene Day is the vision of a world where no girl is held back because of her period. To bring this vision closer to reality, organizations like Child Help Foundation (CHF) have been at the forefront of spreading awareness, distributing resources, and empowering young girls across the country.
As of March 2025, CHF has positively impacted 61,089 adolescent girls through its menstrual hygiene awareness programs. These initiatives are designed not just to distribute sanitary products but to equip young girls with critical knowledge about menstrual health, hygiene practices, and self-care. In addition, CHF has distributed over 4,26,248 sanitary pads in under-resourced communities, schools, and slum areas—providing girls with the basic necessities they need to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.
The impact of these interventions goes far beyond numbers. For many girls, having access to sanitary pads means they no longer have to miss school every month. It means being able to participate in sports, social activities, and studies without fear or shame. It means learning about their own bodies in a safe, supportive environment, and being able to pass that knowledge forward.
CHF’s initiatives also include training sessions for teachers, parents, and community members to break the myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. In many regions, girls are still taught that periods are impure or that they should isolate themselves during menstruation. These harmful ideas not only damage self-esteem but also prevent girls from seeking help when they need it most. CHF combats this through community-led conversations that normalize menstruation and promote open dialogue.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder that menstrual health is a human right, not a privilege. Access to affordable, safe menstrual products, clean water, proper sanitation, and accurate information should be universal.
As we mark Menstrual Hygiene Day this year, let’s applaud the work done by CHF and countless other changemakers. But more importantly, let’s recommit ourselves to ending period poverty, dismantling the stigma, and creating a world where every girl can thrive—period or no period.
Because when we invest in menstrual health, we invest in education, equality, and the future. Join Child Help Foundation in its mission to normalize conversation about menstruation and eliminate the stigma surrounding it.