How Can Empowering Rural Women Address the Menstrual Hygiene Crisis in India?
- yanabijoor
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
What is the problem?
In rural India, a crisis of menstrual hygiene has long affected the lives of millions of women. Nearly 200 million women in rural regions face severe challenges managing their menstrual health, driven by deep-rooted societal taboos and economic barriers. The problem extends beyond just access to products - it's a complex web of cultural stigma, poverty, and lack of infrastructure that forces women to resort to dangerous alternatives like dirty rags, leaves, and even sawdust. According to a 2011 report by market research group AC Nielsen, Sanitary Protection: Every Woman's Health Right, 88% of women in India are driven to use ashes, newspapers, sand husks and dried leaves during their periods. As a result of these unhygienic practices, more than 70% of women suffer from reproductive tract infections, increasing the risk of contracting associated cancers.
The heart of this crisis lies in accessibility. Commercial sanitary pads, produced using expensive machinery and materials, remain prohibitively expensive for many rural families who must choose between basic necessities like milk and menstrual products. This economic barrier, combined with cultural silence around menstruation and poor sanitation infrastructure, creates a perfect storm that impacts women's health, dignity, and quality of life.
What is the solution?
Enter Arunachalam Muruganantham, whose journey began with a simple observation of his wife using dirty rags during her period. So he created a low-cost machine that produces affordable sanitary pads using locally available materials. What makes this innovation particularly remarkable is its grassroots approach - the machines are simple enough to be operated by anyone, eliminating the need for sophisticated technical knowledge or expensive infrastructure.
Why is this innovative?
The innovation lies not just in the technology, but also in the business model. Rather than selling to large corporations, Muruganantham's company, Jayashree Industries, distributes these machines through local nonprofits and women's self-help groups. This approach transforms menstrual hygiene from a corporate profit center into a community-driven social enterprise, creating local jobs while addressing a critical health need.
What is the impact?
The impact has been substantial. With over 1,300 machines installed across 27 Indian states and seven other countries, this initiative has created a ripple effect. Beyond providing affordable sanitary products, it has begun challenging the taboo around menstruation, creating employment opportunities for rural women, and fostering conversations about women's health in traditionally conservative communities.
What needs to be improved?
There's still room for improvement. The research suggests that infrastructure for proper disposal of menstrual products remains a challenge in rural areas. Additionally, while the machines address the production aspect, distribution networks and awareness campaigns need strengthening to reach more remote communities. The cultural stigma around menstruation, though slowly shifting, continues to be a barrier that requires sustained educational efforts and community engagement.
Sources: