Menstruation is a normal and natural biological process by all adolescent girls and women, yet it is not spoken about openly causing unnecessary embarrassment and shame. In India, the culture of silence around menstruation compounded by taboos makes it a terrifying experience for most and restricts them from practicing safe menstrual hygiene. Lack of a separate and usable girl’s toilet in schools and a toilet at home leaves adolescent girls and women to face the indignity of open defecation. Safe and effective Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is a trigger for better and stronger development for adolescent girls and women. Issues related to Menstrual Hygiene Management: a. Stigma, culture of silence and lack of information b. Lack of access to sanitary napkins and menstrual absorbents c. Absence of support from family and community d. Lack of access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities e. Lack of separate and usable toilet for girls and women. f. Lack of disposal facilities of sanitary pads and cloths Our main activities in South India (Four Districts from three States in South India: Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka): • Awareness campaign among adolescent girls and women on Menstrual Hygiene and health. • To increase access and use of quality sanitary pads to adolescent girls and women in rural areas and urban areas of South India. • Ensure safe disposal of Sanitary Napkins in an environment friendly manner. • Further, eco-friendly biodegradable sanitary pads (made of plant fibres/Jute, banana, pineapple, even corn fibre) are introduced as an advantage of not posing as an environmental hazard. Central and State Governments, Local Self Governments (Panchayats) Rural Development Department, Pollution Control Boards, Local community- households and NGOs, schools and Education department, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs ) are involved in this process of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). Scaling up of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in India • India Government declared Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) as a priority area along with handwashing, ending open defecation and building toilets through the launch of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) in 2012 and followed by the present flagship program of India the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). • Apart from the construction of toilets, it aimed at bringing improvement in cleanliness and hygiene through effective and scientific solid and liquid waste management systems , where the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) was included and funds allocated for solid and liquid waste management were provisioned to implement safe disposal . • The Kerala government has decided to grant menstrual leave to female students of all universities and institutions under the state higher education department as part of the government’s commitment to realise a gender-just society. Kerala in southern India is set to become the first state in the country to grant menstrual leave for students. Taking into consideration the mental and physical difficulties faced by female students during menstruation, necessary steps will be taken to implement menstrual leave in all higher education department. Expected Impact Breaking the Silence has to end taboos, myths, and mental stigma associated with menstruation and raising awareness on menstruation as a natural and life-giving biological phenomenon so that girls and women can manage their menstruation hygienically with privacy and dignity. The ability of girls and women to exercise the power of their voice in terms of opinion and choice to an make themselves be heard. Further, community which recognizes women’s leadership in social, economic and political spheres. Girls and women become the primary stakeholder in their education, health, livelihood and economic well-being. Scaling up globally the declaration of the Government of India on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) as a priority area along with handwashing, ending open defecation and constructing toilets. Partners Local Self Governments (Panchayats), State and Central Governments, Local community groups, SFGs, ASHA workers, PHCs, NGOs, schools and Education department, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs ) , donor agencies Additional information https://youtu.be/AbhA0cyQhEk http://www.cchrindia.org/activity.php?id=6.