May 28, 2025 — Across the globe, Menstrual Hygiene Day is being observed with renewed vigor and urgency, as governments, NGOs, activists, and citizens unite to shed light on one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of public health: menstrual hygiene.
What is Menstrual Hygiene Day?
Observed every year on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day (also known as Periods Day) was initiated in 2014 by the German-based NGO WASH United. The date 28/5 holds symbolic significance — 28 days being the average length of a menstrual cycle, and 5 being the average duration of menstruation.
This international awareness day aims to break taboos, raise awareness, and promote access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities — all critical for ensuring menstrual health and dignity.
Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters
According to UNICEF, over 500 million people worldwide lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene management (MHM). This impacts school attendance, workplace participation, health outcomes, and self-esteem, especially in low-income regions.
Dr. Aarti Joshi, a public health expert based in New Delhi, explains:
“Period poverty is not just about access to sanitary pads; it’s also about clean water, safe toilets, disposal systems, and—most importantly—education. Without these, menstruating individuals face serious physical and psychological risks.”
Taboos and Cultural Barriers Still Prevail
In many cultures, menstruation remains a subject of shame and silence. In rural India, for example, menstruating girls are often barred from kitchens, temples, and schools. In parts of Africa, stigma is so severe that girls miss up to 20% of the school year.
“These taboos are deep-rooted, but not unchangeable,” says Fatou Diop, a Senegal-based gender activist. “We are using Menstrual Hygiene Day as a platform to change the narrative — from shame to strength.”
Global Initiatives Gaining Ground
Organizations around the world are stepping up:
UNFPA is working in partnership with local governments in over 45 countries to distribute free sanitary products in schools and shelters.
WaterAid and Plan International are running menstrual education programs and building gender-friendly toilets.
In the UK, the #FreePeriods movement successfully campaigned for free period products in schools and public buildings.
In Kenya, the government provides free sanitary pads to schoolgirls — a pioneering initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa.
India’s Menstrual Health Mission
In India, the government has launched the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) under the National Health Mission. It provides subsidized sanitary napkins, known as “Freedays,” to adolescent girls in rural areas.
Additionally, the ‘Suvidha’ scheme by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers offers biodegradable sanitary napkins at just ₹1 per pad at Jan Aushadhi stores.
Despite these efforts, only 36% of women in India reportedly use sanitary products, according to NFHS-5 data. Lack of awareness, cost, and social stigma remain major barriers.
Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 Theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”
This year’s global theme calls on everyone — governments, NGOs, educators, and individuals — to build a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to equality. Campaigns are focusing on ending period poverty in conflict zones, climate-vulnerable communities, and urban slums.
Events, panel discussions, and social media campaigns are being held in over 70 countries, including large-scale pad donation drives and free menstrual health workshops.
A Global Call to Action
The fight for menstrual equity is far from over, but the momentum is stronger than ever. As Dr. Joshi aptly puts it, “We don’t need to empower women and girls — they’re already powerful. We just need to stop disempowering them through silence, stigma, and neglect.”
Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 reminds the world that menstrual health is not a luxury, but a human right.
