Breaking Taboos: Empowering Women Through Menstrual Hygiene and Health Awareness
19 February 2025

At Human Touch Foundation, our mission is clear: to bridge the gap in women's health education and foster awareness that empowers women to lead healthier lives. Through our programs, we address some of the most pressing and overlooked issues faced by women, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) of India.
Menstrual Hygiene: A Foundational Focus
In many villages, a lack of awareness and resources leads to unhygienic menstrual practices, which, in turn, result in preventable health issues. Women often suffer silently from infections or conditions linked to poor menstrual hygiene and malnutrition, unaware of their underlying causes.
Our Menstrual Hygiene Programs are designed to educate women and girls about the importance of maintaining hygiene and adopting a balanced diet during menstruation. Through interactive sessions and hands-on consultations with health professionals, we help participants identify and avoid practices that could compromise their health. The results have been transformative—women are now more cautious, informed, and empowered to take charge of their well-being.
Breaking Myths for a Healthy Pregnancy
In rural areas, myths and superstitions about pregnancy and menstruation are deeply ingrained, often dictating behaviour in ways that can harm both mother and child. For instance:
Pregnant women are often restricted from stepping out during a solar or lunar eclipse, fuelled by baseless fears of harm to the unborn child.
Menstruating girls and women are frequently prohibited from entering temples or participating in rituals, reinforcing stigma and feelings of exclusion.
Our programs tackle these myths head-on, providing a safe space for open discussions where science and logic replace superstition. By engaging directly with women and their families, we have successfully guided many toward embracing healthier practices during pregnancy and menstruation.
Normalizing Conversations About Women’s Health
A persistent barrier to women’s health across India, especially in rural areas, is the stigma surrounding it. The discomfort associated with discussing topics like menstruation, pregnancy, and reproductive health often leaves women isolated and uninformed.
At Human Touch Foundation, we believe that open conversations are key to change. By normalizing dialogue about women’s health in the communities we serve, we aim to dismantle taboos and foster a culture of acceptance and understanding.
Looking Ahead
Our work is just a small step toward addressing larger systemic issues. With continued support and collaboration, we aspire to expand our reach and ensure that no woman is left behind when it comes to health and awareness. Together, we can create a world where women’s health is a priority, not a taboo.