We need to sensitise the boys to be supportive of girls: Manushi Chhillar

Manushi speaks out on menstrual hygiene

For the last four years, former Miss World Manushi Chhillar has been working towards raising awareness on menstrual hygiene in India through her non-profit advocacy platform Project Shakti. This year, Manushi has been roped in by UNICEF to raise awareness on the issue in India on the occasion of Menstrual

Hygiene Day.

“Poor menstrual hygiene affects the health and wellbeing of women, especially girls, but we don’t very often discuss this.

The existing culture of silence, misinformation and harmful myths around menstruation denies many girls the future and opportunities that they deserve,” says Manushi, who will debut as an actress in the soon-to-be-released Prithviraj.

“Poor menstrual health continues to be a cause of concern due to the lack of education on the issue, persisting taboos, and stigma, limited access to hygienic menstrual products, and poor sanitation infrastructure, that often undermines educational opportunities, health, and overall social status of women and girls in India and around the world,” she adds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated menstruation-related challenges for women and girls. “The lockdowns and safety precautions have disrupted access to sanitary products, adding to the challenges they face. We need to speak up to dispel menstruationrelated taboos and stigma, sensitize men and boys to be supportive of girls; and support availability of essential sanitary products for girls and women in times of crises,” she stresses.