In India, 70% of diseases involving reproductive health present poor menstrual hygiene as the root cause. Not just this, but in some cases, these may lead to complications in pregnancy and even maternal mortality. As per a health survey, 58% of women aged between 15-24 years use locally prepared sanitary napkins, and around only 48% of women in rural areas have access to them.
From Government to Bollywood, every sector is contributing in its own way to raise awareness regarding menstrual hygiene. Meanwhile, a Twitter user shared her experience of discussing menstrual health with her house help. And in a series of tweets, she clearly explains what prevents women of lower socio-economic groups from using sanitary napkins.
While I was in India, I gave my maid didi an old tshirt and asked her to use it as a dusting cloth. She asked me if she could take it instead. I asked her why she needed that old rag knowing well that she only wears sari or suits. She said she would use it during her periods.
— SwatKat- The dancing Rajput 💃 (@swatic12) July 6, 2018
As the one she was using was very torn and old. For a moment I was silent and sad. I asked her why she didn’t used sanitary pads instead. She said she knew about them but they were too expensive. She would rather use that money for household expenses. I gave her a whole pack
— SwatKat- The dancing Rajput 💃 (@swatic12) July 6, 2018
And before leaving told my mom to give her pads every month. Why the pads have a 12% gst levied on them whereas makeup stuff like bindi, sindoor and kajal are exempted is a debate. Even though some govt institutions are providing free pads there is obviously much left to be done
— SwatKat- The dancing Rajput 💃 (@swatic12) July 6, 2018
I would request all of you reading this thread to help by giving sanitary pads every month to your house help, maids, any female workers around you apart from their monthly salary.
It will not cost you much but will be a very effective step towards their hygiene and betterment
— SwatKat- The dancing Rajput 💃 (@swatic12) July 6, 2018
India is world’s largest democracy and any problem affecting the country cannot be completely eradicated by govt schemes and policies alone. Any change would need inclusion and cooperation at the citizen level. Do your little bit because little steps go far#isupportfreepad
— SwatKat- The dancing Rajput 💃 (@swatic12) July 6, 2018
Here’s what you can do:
1. Educate and encourage your house help to try sanitary pads
2. Get economical packs from your nearest Jan Aushadhi stores. At 2.5 rs per pad 10-12 pads will cost you only 25-30 Rs a month
3. Give them these packs every month on top of their salary— SwatKat- The dancing Rajput 💃 (@swatic12) July 6, 2018
Not to be missed here, using untidy objects like dirty clothes, sand or sawdust have reportedly led to STSS (Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome) and claimed lives of many women.
Sanitary napkins being provided free of cost at certain places isn’t a myth but that not every woman accesses the facility is equally true. Setting sanitary napkins vending machines at the railway station is a great initiative but still, many sections of women remain untouched. Obviously, realizing that pads are the basic necessity and not any luxury like cosmetics, hence freeing pads from GST will be a welcome initiative.
The best part of this tweet series is appeal the lady has made to upper-class women to help their domestic helps with sanitary napkins monthly. The expenditure will be equal to that of a pack of sweets but as women, we must realize that it can prove to be a life-saving measure!
She did her bit, people. Time for us to do ours.
