WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A STAIRWAY THROUGH PERSONAL AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE IN SLUMS OF DELHI

Keywords: global south, menstrual hygiene, urban society
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Globally approximately 52percent of the women are of menstruating age. In the low income society of India, menstruation is still considered a taboo. The management of menstruation presents significant challenges for women in these lower income settings of Global South and has been associated with a wide range of health and psycho-social outcomes among the women. Starting from drop out from schools, to facing abuse and violence at home, continuous illnesses, general weakness and increased vulnerability to disasters, and struggle to survive every day, the general hygiene of females becomes the most neglected aspect of their lives. The present paper summarises the findings of a study done in the slums among the girls and women, understanding their challenges, thoughts and possible solutions. As interns in the Non-Governmental organization in Delhi, India- Amoli Society for Women- the present study aims at formulating policy decisions while considering the most silent section of the urban and rural society. Findings include an understanding of the deep-rooted patriarchy, factors affecting absent female financial freedom, rituals and practices during menstruation among different communities. It was also found over time that the free sanitary products brought a sense of liberty among the women along with self awareness, pride and self importance among the women. When women realize the importance of menstrual hygiene, they realize their own worth, learn to have a say over what they want, learn to spend on themselves at least as much as they spend on their families.