A recent study on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in Kerala’s urban workplaces found that more than 62% of women find it difficult to dispose of menstrual waste due to inadequate facilities, leading to mental distress and reduced productivity.
Despite Kerala’s 95% literacy rate, the research suggests that menstrual hygiene remains an uncomfortable and neglected subject in professional spaces. The survey included 232 working women between the ages of 18 and 45 from various sectors, including corporate offices and self-employed professions.
Over 50% of the women reported experiencing physical or mental discomfort due to poor menstrual hygiene methods at work. Around 71% said menstrual hygiene products were not available at the workplace, forcing them to carry their own.
The study, conducted by Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Science (SUTAMS), Thiruvananthapuram, was published in the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health on March 31. It was led by Dr Manju Koshy along with Dr Fezeena Khadir, Dr Sumina Cheriyan, and Dr Bindu Kumari.
The study went beyond hygiene, highlighting the link between inadequate menstrual care and emotional well-being. Lack of basic facilities contributes to social distress and hampers work performance, it found.
Dr Manju Koshy, who spearheaded the study, told TNM that her experience teaching in the medical field and witnessing the everyday challenges faced by menstruating women, especially while travelling, motivated her to initiate the research. “The issue is societal and should be addressed. Women should speak up. In a period of 10 years, a lot of changes should be implemented,” she said.
She pointed out that proper hygiene facilities should include a dustbin with a lid, paper to wrap used sanitary napkins, and a designated space for women using menstrual cups, which are often not accommodated in standard washrooms. She also stressed the need for sanitary napkin vending machines.
The study also underlined a structural issue — the absence of menstruation-sensitive infrastructure and policies, largely because workplace administration is still dominated by men. This, according to the researchers, leads to a lack of urgency in addressing menstrual needs, with women being expected to function at full productivity regardless of physical discomfort.
While the Kerala study focused on urban workplaces, national data suggests a broader and deeper crisis. According to the National Family Health Survey (2019-2021), states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya recorded the lowest rates of menstrual hygiene at 59%, 61% and 65% respectively. In rural India, only 73% of women reportedly use any hygienic menstrual method.
The situation is compounded in urban slums. Independent studies have documented instances of harassment and lack of access to clean, safe public toilets for women in places like Pune and Jaipur. These conditions have had psychological effects, with women reporting anxiety and distress tied to basic sanitation needs.