Re-envisioning Menstrual Health: Shaping India’s Narrative
On November 23rd and 24th, 2023, a moment of significance unfolded in the narrative of Indian menstrual health. The national conclave, “Re-envisioning Menstrual Health: Shaping India’s Narrative,” organized by Uninhibited in collaboration with MHAi, became a landmark event, representing a significant step forward in our collective efforts.
After a five-year hiatus, the conclave brought together a diverse assembly of over 150 menstrual health practitioners, donors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. This assembly was a testament to the collaborative spirit that propels us forward, especially considering the unveiling of the Draft National Policy for Menstrual Hygiene by the Central Government.
A luminous presence graced the conclave in the form of Dr. Zoya Ali Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner at the National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. As the keynote speaker, Dr. Rizvi emphasized the pivotal role of providing more than just menstrual hygiene and comfort. She underscored the critical need to ensure dignity for those who menstruate, highlighting the indispensable contributions of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the private sector as partners and innovators. The state governments, too, were acknowledged for their crucial role in showcasing scalable solutions that work across diverse contexts.
The conclave unfolded over two days, each meticulously designed to steer the narrative towards a more inclusive and impactful future. Day 1, on November 23rd, focused on the intricacies of policy drafting, feedback mechanisms, and strategies for effective implementation. As participants engaged in robust discussions, the conclave served as a platform to celebrate the monumental stride India has taken towards a comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy.
Day 2, a closed-door roundtable event on November 24th, delved into actionable themes poised to shape the menstrual health narrative in India for the years ahead. This session addressed crucial points aimed at co-creating a framework that considers the diverse aspects of menstrual health with mental health, the role of technology and/or Artificial intelligence in menstrual health, and reimagining the provision of market and research.
Top 10 actions to shape the menstrual health narrative in India in 2024 and beyond:
#1 Crafting a Path to Menstrual Health for All:
Co-creating a comprehensive framework for menstrual health in India involves acknowledging the multifaceted nature of menstrual health, recognizing diverse contexts, and understanding the interconnectedness with allied sectors such as sexual and reproductive health, education, gender equality, livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
#2 Nurturing Empowerment through agency and choice:
Delving deeper into social and behavior change communication for menstrual health, we must move beyond mere information provision to engender body literacy, agency, and choice among people who menstruate. In addition, we need to create a supportive environment by designing and implementing interventions for those who shape the experience of menstruation in families, communities, educational institutions, workplaces, and public settings.
#3 Gender-Responsive Approach:
Articulating the role of gatekeepers and influencers in a gender-responsive manner is pivotal. Ensuring that interventions reach boys, men, mothers, fathers, peers, community leaders, employers, teachers, and frontline workers without reinforcing inequitable gender norms is essential for effective, and lasting change.
#4 Rethinking Provision with Inclusion and Sustainability at the Core:
Reimagining the provision of products and services for menstrual health demands a lens of choice, responsiveness to expressed needs, inclusion, and sustainability over time. This necessitates ensuring adequate budgets to facilitate the maintenance of essential services.
#5 Promising Practices Sharing Voices and Innovations:
Collating, updating, and disseminating promising practices across the menstrual health value chain is crucial. Regular interactions with implementers, donors, and decision-makers provide spaces to hear and learn from new voices, innovations, and solutions.
#6 Evidence Generation for Informed Action:
Generating evidence on poorly understood issues, under-served populations, and emerging topics is paramount. This includes understanding menstrual problems, mental health, perimenopause, and exploring digital and market-based approaches. Tracking progress over time ensures informed decision-making.
#7 Bridging the Gap by Integrating Evidence Across Realms:
Expanding understanding and use of evidence requires communicating academic research, field insights, and community voices. Supporting the translation and dissemination of evidence to the wider community working on menstrual health bridges the gap between theory and practice.
#8 Collective Learning and Collaboration:
Fostering opportunities to share and learn, collectivize and collaborate at the state and national level in India is essential. Bringing together diverse stakeholders across sectors, especially in education, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equality, emphasizes interlinkages and enhances impact through integrated action.
#9 Government Engagement for Inclusive Policies:
Engaging with government at the national, state, district, and local levels is crucial for informing, facilitating, and supporting the translation of national policy and government initiatives. Highlighting context-responsive and inclusive approaches ensures that interventions meet the diverse needs of menstruating individuals.
#10 Building a Case for Sustainable Financing:
Informing investments by the government, private sector, institutional donors, and philanthropic institutions with evidence is a key step. Making the case for long-term financing that responds to the intersectional nature of menstrual health and addresses needs across the lifecourse ensures sustainable impact.
As the conclave concluded, it sparked a call to action. The discussions crafted a roadmap for a future where menstrual health becomes a lived reality for all, not just a policy objective. The journey has just begun, and the impact promises to echo across the nation. We extend our sincere thanks to our invaluable participants for their insightful contributions. Additionally, we express heartfelt gratitude to our supporter, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, for their generous support in organizing this event.
We will have more updates in the coming weeks. Stay Tuned!
#NaCoMH #menstrualhealthpolicyinindia #menstrualhealth
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and joy!
Written By:
Team Uninhibited & MHAi
