The Scope of Menstrual Hygiene Is Broader Than Cleanliness

Breaking the silence around menstrual hygiene to build a Period Friendly World

Menstrual hygiene transcends a personal hygienic concern; it involves critical issues related to health, education, economic opportunity, gender equity, and human rights. Every month, over 1.8 billion people globally menstruate. However, basic menstrual hygiene is an unattainable goal for around 500 million individuals. This problem is acute among low-income groups, in refugee camps, crisis-affected communities, and areas where infrastructure and awareness lag behind.  

At Real Relief, we envision a world where menstrual hygiene never hampers progress, self-worth, or opportunities. Our vision is straightforward yet incredibly transformative- we aim to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure safe and dignified periods for all. We empower menstruators around the world—one cycle at a time—by providing sustainable, reusable, and affordable menstrual hygiene products.

The Global Landscape- An Unseen Issue

Menstruation in many cultures remains wrapped in silence, stigma, and a plethora of myths. Vital dialogues are neglected, women are barred from participating in daily activities, and girls are forced out of school. Without proper menstrual hygiene management, there are negative physical and psychological outcomes, while also suffering from social inequality and environmental damage.

(Try this Quiz - How Much Do You Know About Menstrual Hygiene?  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eihd2GK_puiqWGfzgmH8TwMN5xO6teEN3RQ1zedkU5g/preview?edit_requested=true )

The Hidden Crisis- 5 Core Challenges in Menstrual Hygiene

1. Cultural stigma- Taboos can cause social exclusion due to bullying or spreading false information.
2. Inadequate access to menstrual products- Many menstruators resort to using rags, newspapers, leaves, or even mud as menstrual products. 
3. Poor WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities- Clean and safe toilets and disposal bins are often absent in schools and workplaces.
4. Lack of information- Many girls are left uninformed about periods resulting in fear and unsafe behaviors.
5. Eco-unfriendly- Commercial pads are mostly non-biodegradable, thus adding to the growing waste crisis. 

Here at Real Relief, we are determined to address the issue with tailored strategies emphasizing understanding, education, and compassion, creating more effective interventions.

Ignoring Menstrual Hygiene Is a Silent Crisis

Grasping each aspect of menstrual hygiene can help understand its impacts. It concerns much more than staying clean. It touches every part of a person’s life-  

1. Health and Well-Being  

Feminine hygiene:

• Prevention of reproductive and urinary tract infections.  
• Skin rashes and irritations are lessened.  
• Bacterial or fungal infections are less likely to occur.  
• Enhanced comfort and reduced cramps due to better care.  

2. Education and Opportunity  

Countless girls miss class due to menstruation, often due to embarrassment or inadequate facilities, and many eventually drop out. Proper menstrual hygiene practices have a direct relationship with academic retention and educational attainment.  

3. Workforce Participation 

Significant percentages of women lose income during their periods due to the inability to manage menstruation at the workplace, especially in informal or physically demanding jobs. Accessible hygiene restores participation, dignity, and economic productivity.  

4. Confidence and Dignity  

Having a feeling of freshness, protection, and commendable hygiene improves self-confidence and minimizes anxiety about odors and staining.

How Real Relief Is Empowering Menstrual Dignity

Our Mission at Real Relief  

We work toward the vision of every menstruator managing their periods safely, sustainably, and with dignity. To achieve this vision, Real Relief incorporates-  

• Sustainable design  
• User education  
• Community empowerment  
• Affordability and accessibility     

Our Products- Tools of Transformation 

• Safepad™  

An antimicrobial washable sanitary pad that can be used for up to two years. This option is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly through its long-term usage.  

https-//realreliefindia.com/products/Safepad%E2%84%A2-standard-pack

• Safepanty™  

These undergarments are reusable and comfortable, providing a discreet and dignified alternative to disposable period products.   https-//realreliefindia.com/products/safepanty%E2%84%A2-high-waist

• Supertowel™  

A towel designed for personal hygiene with added antimicrobial protection, making it useful for menstrual as well as general personal hygiene.

https-//realreliefindia.com/products/supertowel-1 

Products such as these expand opportunities and access for women and girls, empowering them to participate fully in school and work. Menstrual health can be managed with dignity by families, enabling better social and economic engagement.

(Try this Quiz - How Eco-Friendly Is Your Period? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dG5XLz5T-5eFrfbbF8p_-NB34YEncn0CU4Pr9NPpJU0/edit )

Real Relief- A Comprehensive Approach on Menstrual Hygiene

At Real Relief, we understand that real change goes beyond products; it requires integrated actions that consider- 

- Education 

- Community Engagement 

- Infrastructure

- Policy Advocacy 

Let’s examine how each one aligns-

Education- The First Line of Action 

Here at Real Relief, we know the importance of education as a driver for change, which supports and empowers communities. Unfortunately for many menstruators, the absence of knowledge combined with social stigma makes navigating periods nearly impossible. Educating both girls and boys on menstruation fosters empathy and dismantles outdated social norms. 

Real Relief collaborates with schools and NGOs to conduct menstrual education workshops to deepen understanding via age-appropriate resources and participatory methods.

Case Study- In India, several NGO initiatives along with Real Relief have increased in transforming India to a more sustainable country. If you want to be part of Change maker kindly reach out to us.

WASH Infrastructure- Dignity in Design

Having a clean, quiet space that offers running water, as well as hygienic disposal methods for used materials, is not merely desired, but required for every individual. Collaborating with local governments and nonprofits, we work to design and fund the construction of menstrual-friendly toilets located at schools, community centers, and workplaces.Features include-  

• Separate Private Changing Rooms  
• Availability of Soap and Water  
• Sanitary Pad Disposal Systems  
• Lighting and Locks for Safety  
• Community Engagement  

Menstrual hygiene is often sidelined as solely a “woman’s issue,” however the entire community needs to participate. Through our community initiatives, we train peer educators, facilitate father’s forums, and host local period and gender equality normalization events. 

Policy and Advocacy  

Together with governments, UN sustainable development goals, and NGOs, we advocate for the following policies-  

• Tax exemption on sanitary products.  
• Inclusion of menstruation in school curriculam.  
• WASH funding in school infrastructure.  
• Mandated workplace support for menstruation.  
• Addressing the Environmental Impact  
• The environmental repercussions of menstruation are enormous.  

In India alone, 12.3 billion pads are thrown away every year and do not biodegrade.  The average single user could generate over 150 kilograms of pad waste during their lifetime.  The majority of menstruation pads, 90% composed of plastic, take 500 to 800 years to decompose.  

Real Relief is helping communities enhance menstrual health while decreasing their environmental footprint by encouraging reusable and biodegradable alternatives.

(Try this Quiz - Myth or Fact: Period Edition https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xt66-z7ff_nkQWXjE9JRutOqUQLSDiBVgpKbJh8hdJ8/edit )

Guidelines for Maintaining Healthy Menstrual Hygiene 

The following best practices can be beneficial to all menstruators in feeling comfortable, empowered, and safe during their periods.  

 Personal Hygiene: 

• Change pads or tampons every 4–8 hours  
• Wash hands before and after using the products  
• Rinse reusable items thoroughly and disinfect appropriately  
• Wipe front to back after using the toilet  
• Avoid scented products to keep pH balanced  
• Douching and harsh chemical cleansing is not allowed

Product Choices:

• Use breathable fabrics like cotton underwear  
• Track your menstrual cycle using an app or calendar  
• Experiment with different products until you find what works best  

Try our sustainable Safepad https-//realreliefindia.com/products/Safepad-day

Menstrual Hygiene Day- Global Call to Action: 

Every May 28, the entire world comes under one banner to celebrate, create awareness, promote action and activism and tackle stigma. This is what Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is all about. The focus is to pledge once more to work towards #PeriodFriendlyWorld.

Your Involvement Matters:

1. Share your story using the hashtag- #MHDay2025 and share your social media link as comments under the blog
2. Donate or sponsor menstrual hygiene kits  
3. Promote menstruation education in schools  
4. Organize community awareness events and drives  
5. Encourage and involve community leaders and teachers
6. Real Relief’s Global Impact  

Achievements

• Real Relief has helped menstruators globally—from rural and urban India to refugee camps and coastal villages.  
• Over 1 million menstruators helped.  
• Over 400 schools integrated into our education programs.  
• Over 200 communities provided with eco-friendly products.  
• Established 50+ partnerships with local governments and NGOs.  
• We don't just distribute products; we create sustainable systems.  
• Transitioning to Sustainable Period Care- The Smart Choice  

Why Real relief is an option for you

• Making the switch from disposable to reusable menstrual hygiene products is-  Cost-effective- Save hundreds over time.  
• Eco-friendly- Reduces waste and pollution.  
• Empowering- Make better health choices and take control of your life.  
• Join the thousands making the switch today. Explore Real Relief’s Safepad™, Safepanty™, Gopad™, and Supertowel™ collections.  

Toward a Period-Friendly World 

Menstrual hygiene is a critical period health right. Menstruators able to access the right products, information, and support are empowered to thrive, contribute, and lead. It is time the conversation is normalized and the care revolutionized.

At Real Relief, we proudly support menstruators all over the world. Let us break the stigma surrounding menstruation, eliminate period poverty, and work towards a world where menstruation does not hinder anyone’s life.  

Join the Movement  

https-//realreliefindia.com/products/Safepad%E2%84%A2-night-pads-large

Let us discuss about periods.  

Let us create dignity for all around menstruation

Let us eliminate a future filled with fear.  

Menstrual Hygiene is the key. Real Relief is the way.  

(Try this Quiz - How Much Do You Know About Menstrual Hygiene?  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eihd2GK_puiqWGfzgmH8TwMN5xO6teEN3RQ1zedkU5g/preview?edit_requested=true )