Keywords
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)
Adolescent Girls
Cultural Taboos
Girls Education
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
This study explores the importance of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities along with menstrual hygiene management (MHM) services for adolescent girls in the schools of Khudabandpur Block of Begusarai District, Bihar. Menstrual hygiene is a crucial factor influencing girls' overall health, school attendance, academic performance and educational outcomes. The research highlights girls' socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural challenges in managing their menstrual hygiene in rural India. A total of 279 adolescent girls from four schools participated in the study, with data collected through interviews with local teachers and community members. The findings reveal that 87 per cent of the girls had no prior knowledge of menstruation before menarche, leading to confusion and fear during their first experience. Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation and inadequate facilities for MHM significantly impact the education of girls. The study concludes that improving access to affordable menstrual products, enhancing WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) infrastructure, and implementing comprehensive menstrual education programs are essential for promoting girls' overall well-being in rural areas.
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