4 in 10 young women, girls in M’laya lack access to hygienic menstrual protection

SHILLONG, May 28: As the world observes Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, Meghalaya grapples with an alarming and underreported crisis — nearly 4 in 10 young women and girls still lack access to basic, hygienic menstrual protection.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 65.3% of women aged 15-49 in Meghalaya use hygienic methods during menstruation — far below the national average of 78%. For adolescent girls (15-19 years), the numbers are equally grim, with just 65.6% having access to sanitary protection. That means thousands of school-going girls across the state still depend on unhygienic alternatives like cloth, newspaper, or even ash — risking infections, dropping out of school, and enduring avoidable shame.
The crisis runs deeper in rural and remote districts. In West Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills, the percentage of girls exclusively using hygienic methods plummets to just 6-8%, according to a 2022 study published in BMC Public Health.
Several factors contribute to this situation in Meghalaya. Socio-economic disparities, limited access to affordable menstrual products, and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation hinder the adoption of hygienic practices.
Educational attainment also plays a significant role; girls with higher education levels are more than twice as likely to use hygienic methods compared to those without any education.
The state government has acknowledged these challenges. During the Autumn Assembly session, the Minister-in-charge of Health and Family Welfare highlighted the need for increased awareness and better access to menstrual hygiene products. However, concrete policy measures and targeted interventions remain limited.
Access is only part of the problem. Deep-rooted taboos, lack of menstrual education, and limited state-led initiatives are compounding the crisis. Girls miss 4-5 days of school every month due to lack of menstrual resources and privacy, which translates to over 50 missed school days annually.
While the Meghalaya government has acknowledged the issue, concrete solutions remain minimal. Community groups and NGOs have been instrumental in bridging gaps, but their reach is limited and unsustainable without systemic support.