The Challenges of Maintaining Menstrual Hygiene in Rural India

• In Event: 434 - Section on Sociology of Development Paper Session. Neglected Issues in the Sociology of Development

Abstract

Almost three quarters of the extreme poor live in rural areas with the vast majority lacking access to clean water. How do such poor women cope with menstruation or with postpartum bleeding when they lack access to not only water, but money to buy sanitary napkins? Little is known about menstrual hygiene practices among the rural poor in low income countries. This paper attempts to understand the management and practice of menstrual hygiene and postpartum bleeding among poor rural women in water scarce regions of India.
Data were gathered from a survey of over 900 women, focus group discussions with 155 participants, and diary entries. The data provide an in-depth understanding of impact of water insecurity on menstrual hygiene behavior.

Author

• Rita Jalali, American University