Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) was initiated in 2013 to end period-poverty and stigma by the year 2030. The 28th day of the month of May is celebrated as MH Day since it symbolises a typical menstrual cycle among women which lasts for 28 days on average with five days of menses. The State Government of Maharashtra has launched several schemes with a commitment to improve access to sanitary hygiene for menstruating women and prevent related health hazards. With sanitation and hygiene being two of the central focus areas of the Maharashtra Urban WASH-ES Coalition, the promotion of menstrual hygiene including safe use, handling and disposal of menstrual products is imperative to ensure equitable access to safe living conditions for women. Every year, the Coalition engages ULBs, Government departments, Elected Representatives and partner organisations and community groups, including Self Help Groups, sanitation workers, educators, students and parents in a week-long event involving various awareness-raising activities, training programmes, workshops and policy deliberations on WASH practices to encourage positive dialogue and ensure effective menstrual hygiene management.
