AAP MP Raghav Chadha highlights menstrual hygiene stigma affecting over 35 crore women and girls in India, calls for end to taboo
Menstrual hygiene stigma continues to affect millions in India. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha raised this important issue in Parliament on Friday. He said periods are natural, but stigma is not.If a girl misses school because there are no sanitary pads, no water, and no privacy, it is not her personal problem. It is our collective failure. Chadha pointed out this fact in his speech.
Chadha noted that India sells alcohol and cigarettes openly. But sanitary pads are often wrapped in newspaper as if they must be hidden. Society has turned a simple biological fact into a social taboo. A matter of science has become a matter of silence.
Menstrual hygiene is not charity. It is not a favour. It is not a side issue. Chadha stressed that it is a matter of health, education, and equality. Above all, it is a matter of dignity.
Chadha raised this issue in Parliament today because it affects over 35 crore women and girls in India. He said a nation cannot call itself truly progressive if millions of girls still face fear, shame, and silence for something so basic.
The real test of progress is clear. The day every girl in India can go to school, live with dignity, and speak about this without stigma will be the day society has truly moved forward.
Chadha said: “Raised this issue in Parliament today because it affects over 35 crore women and girls in India. A nation cannot call itself truly progressive if millions of girls still face fear, shame and silence for something so basic. The real test of progress is simple. The day every girl in India can go to school, live with dignity and speak about this without stigma, that will be the day we can truly say our society has moved forward.”
Many girls miss school due to lack of menstrual hygiene facilities. This leads to lost education and affects their future. Chadha’s call highlights the need for better access to sanitary pads, water, and private facilities in schools and public places.
Society must end the silence around periods. Open discussion can reduce shame and fear. People should expect more focus on menstrual health as a key part of women’s rights and national progress. This issue touches health, school attendance, and gender equality for over 35 crore women and girls.
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