Menstrual Hygiene in Rural India Katti S. Vasudha1, Pimple Yatin2, Saraf Abhay2 1Public Health Professional, Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, India 2Researcher, SCOPE, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India 3Professor, SCOPE, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India Online published on 29 December, 2017. Abstract Menstruation, a phenomenon unique to women of reproductive age is marked by the discharge of blood and other materials from the lining of the uterus at intervals. A key sign of reproductive health and a normal biological process, yet menstruation, a taboo across the globe continues to be a topic that is less talked about. In a country of contrasts, India, menstruation and its practices are clouded by socio-cultural misbeliefs. The lack of appropriateness of practices of utilization and disposal of menstruation absorbents in rural setting as compared to urban setting can be attributed to the various psychosocial and economic factors that confine women to a state where they are unable to prioritize the health and hygiene needs over other issues. Various initiatives have been taken at the grass root level on usage of menstrual absorbents and menstrual hygiene management. Regardless of the usefulness of the interventions, governance challenges hinder successful implementation of the same across the country. The present article discusses the various aspects of menstrual hygiene in rural India that are less focused upon and the need to end the hesitation. Top Keywords rural India, menstrual absorbents, menstrual hygiene, menstrual waste. Top |