Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Towards a #PeriodFriendlyWorld

Every year, May 28 marks Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). In 2025, the day is being observed under the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, calling for inclusive, stigma-free environments where everyone can access menstrual education, products, and hygiene infrastructure. First initiated by the German NGO WASH United in 2013 and officially launched in 2014, this day has evolved into a global movement that uplifts menstruators around the world.

The Origins and Significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day

• Menstrual Hygiene Day was conceived by WASH United, a Berlin-based NGO, in 2013. The date—May 28—was symbolically chosen: May is the 5th month, representing the average five-day duration of menstruation, and 28 represents the average cycle length in days.
• Since its inception in 2014, MH Day has catalyzed thousands of events, campaigns, and policy discussions across the globe to normalize menstruation and ensure safe menstrual practices.

Theme of 2025: Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld

• This year’s theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” emphasizes collective action to create a world where no one is held back due to menstruation.
• The focus is on removing the stigma, shame, and taboos still surrounding periods.
• Rather than changing themes annually, MH Day now promotes this unified long-term vision that encourages education, access to products, supportive policies, and inclusive infrastructure for everyone, including women, girls, transgender men, and non-binary individuals.

Why Menstrual Hygiene Day Matters

Menstrual Hygiene Day plays a vital role in,

• Breaking taboos: Encouraging society to speak openly about menstruation.
• Educating youth: Providing scientifically accurate information about menstrual health.
• Promoting equality: Empowering menstruators to manage their periods with dignity.
• Improving access: Advocating for period products, clean water, and sanitary toilets.

By focusing on these aspects, MH Day supports gender equality, educational continuity, and better health outcomes for menstruators globally.

Current Status of Menstrual Hygiene in India

India has made measurable progress in menstrual hygiene awareness and accessibility, but significant gaps remain. As per NFHS-5 (2019–21),

• Only 27.7% of women had access to all four critical MHH resources: proper menstrual products, private improved toilets, water supply on premises, and soap.
• About 78% of women aged 15–24 use hygienic methods, but 50% still rely on cloth.
• States like Bihar (59%), Madhya Pradesh (61%), and Meghalaya (65%) recorded the lowest usage of hygienic menstrual products.
• These numbers show that infrastructure, education, and affordability are still challenges that need targeted intervention.

Common Menstrual Hygiene Products

Various menstrual hygiene products cater to different needs and preferences,

• Sanitary pads
• Menstrual cups
• Tampons (preferably organic cotton)
• Period panties
• Reusable cloth pads
• Each product must be used and disposed of responsibly to maintain hygiene and environmental safety.

Tips for Maintaining Menstrual Hygiene

Good menstrual hygiene is essential to avoid infections and maintain physical and mental well-being. According to the CDC, the following steps are crucial,

• Wash hands before and after handling menstrual products.
• Change pads every 4–6 hours, even with light flow.
• Avoid flushing products; use covered bins for disposal.
• Replace tampons every 4–8 hours to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
• Clean menstrual cups daily and sterilize after the cycle.
• Wear clean, breathable cotton underwear.
• Practice front-to-back cleaning to prevent infections.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.

Impact of Menstrual Hygiene on Health and Society

Menstrual hygiene is directly linked to multiple areas of well-being,

• Physical health: Poor hygiene can lead to UTIs and reproductive infections.
• Mental health: Shame and lack of support can cause anxiety and low self-esteem.
• Education: Many girls miss school due to inadequate facilities during their periods.
• Economic burden: Period-related absenteeism at work or school affects productivity and income.
• Creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld ensures menstruators live with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.