88 percent cent of women in India using unsafe rags, adding to cervical cancer rate in the country
Srinagar, May 28: Due to the lockdown, and having no access to menstrual products in India, the Pandemic makes periods worse for girls and women, says an international organization working for the menstrual hygiene of women. A staggering 88 per cent of women in India have to improvise by using old rags during their period. Because of this , the cervical cancer rate in India is 25% higher than in Europe. The situation is no less in the developed country the UK where 11 percent of girls aged between 14-21 in the UK have not been able to afford period products.
This was stated in a press statement by Binti, a UK-based non-profit NGO working to provide menstrual dignity to all girls, all over the world. It currently runs projects in India, Kenya, Swaziland and the U.S., as well as at home in the UK.
In a statement, on the Menstrual Hygiene Day , an annual awareness day on May 28 observed worldwide to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management, Binti said 1 in 5 girls in Africa drop out of school when they begin their periods.
“Menstrual pads should be available to all women, yet over 400 million women in India alone are ripping up old clothing to use as a pad. This has to change, and with your help, we can create a world where all women have menstrual dignity, the organisaton said.
Binti has also released a short film to highlight the indignities faced by millions of women in support of Menstrual Hygiene Day.
“We will continue our work until all girls have menstrual dignity”, says Binti founder, Manjit K Gill. “This means ensuring that the next generation understands periods and campaigning to provide all women with access to period products. Binti will continue to smash the stigma and shame around periods and change the language to reflect a more positive attitude,” he emphasized.(KNS)
