The Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur alongwith Centre for Advocacy and Research, Jaipur organized a one day Consultation on ‘Menstrual Hygiene and Management- Practices, Intervention and Challenges’ (with reference to Urban Areas) on 17 February, 2017 at Hotel Indiana Pride Jaipur.

The objective of the Consultation was to develop a better understanding of MHM practices and interventions as well as the role and impact of Government policy and initiatives with specific reference to urban areas. The consultation was presided over by Ms. Veenu Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Government of Rajasthan. The participants in the workshop were drawn from government departments, development partners, NGOs and private organizations academia as well as women and girls from various urban slums of Jaipur. The Director IDSJ Prof. S.K. Bhaumik also participated in the Consultation.

The consultation highlighted concerns regarding irregular distribution of sanitary napkins to girls in rural and urban areas, the lack of attention to urban girls in policy, mismatch between demand and supply of napkins, lack of convergence between departments of Women’s Empowerment, Education and Health. IDSJ team members Prof. Kanchan Mathur and Dr. Shobhita Rajagopal presented the findings of the study on distribution of sanitary napkins in schools and urban slums of Jaipur city supported by CFAR. Many of the girls from the slums spoke about the problems related to menstrual hygiene and accessing sanitary napkins. Some good practices were including the experience of UGER cloth pads was also shared by a representative from Jatan Sansthan , working Railmagra block, Rajsamand district.

The Principal Secretary appreciated the efforts of many organisations in bringing the issue centres stage. She stated that the discussions helped her in gaining an insight into to the field realities. She shared the various constraints in ensuring regular supply of sanitary pads. However, she assured the participants that she will make efforts to take this issue forward at the policy level and work towards convergence of various departments on this issue.