11, August 2025
Bridging the Gap: Rural Menstrual Health and the National Health Mission
Author(s): Rajnandani Kumari, Dr. Suvidha
Authors Affiliations:
1Research Scholar, Department of Home Science, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan
2Associate Professor, Department of Home Science (Human Development), Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan
DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202508001 | Paper ID: IJIRMF202508001Abstract
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Abstract: Menstrual health remains an overlooked component of public healthcare, especially in rural India, where adolescent girls and women encounter systemic and cultural barriers. Despite biological universality, menstruation in rural settings is often framed as impure, secretive, or shameful—leading to diminished educational participation, compromised hygiene, and emotional distress (Nair, 2018). The lack of sanitary infrastructure, limited access to affordable menstrual products, and intergenerational silence further marginalize rural menstruators (Tamiru et al., 2015; Sen & Biswas, 2021). The National Health Mission (NHM) was instituted to improve health outcomes in underserved populations, offering a platform to address menstrual health through its Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS), community mobilization, and convergence with education and sanitation programs. The NHM’s potential to transform rural menstrual care lies in its reliance on grassroots workers—Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)—who facilitate product distribution and awareness sessions. However, uneven implementation, limited training, and inadequate monitoring dilute these efforts (Mahajan & Sharma, 2021). This article explores how NHM initiatives impact rural menstrual health, identifies persistent gaps in education, infrastructure, and outreach, and highlights the importance of culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive interventions. Case studies from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand illustrate both progress and challenges in NHM-driven menstrual care. By analysing policy frameworks, community-based innovations, and intersectional needs, the article offers strategic recommendations to strengthen NHM’s menstrual health agenda and promote dignity, equity, and wellness for rural menstruators.
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Key Words: Menstrual Health, Rural India, Cultural Stigma, Sanitary Infrastructure, National Health Mission (NHM), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS), Gender-Inclusive Interventions.
Rajnandani Kumari, Dr. Suvidha2, (2025); Bridging the Gap: Rural Menstrual Health and the National Health Mission, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-8, Pp.1-8.    Available on –  https://www.ijirmf.com/