#InternationalWomen’sDay is a powerful reminder of the importance of women’s health and well-being, informed choices, accessible healthcare, and dignity in matters of sexual and reproductive health. In India, where diverse cultural perspectives shape conversations around menstrual health, reproductive health, and sexual well-being, there has been remarkable progress in expanding awareness and services. Notably, frontline health workers have been the crucial bridge between communities and critical knowledge.
From bustling urban slums to the most remote villages, these dedicated workers—ASHA workers, community health educators, and grassroots advocates—are the first line of support for millions. But their work goes beyond just delivering health services. They are breaking generational cycles of misinformation, confronting cultural taboos, and reshaping the way sexual and reproductive health is understood at the community level.
This article brings their voices to the forefront—insightful conversations of resilience, challenges, and triumphs from those working tirelessly to dismantle harmful myths and drive lasting change.
The Unspoken Health Crisis
"Women openly talk about fevers and headaches, but when it comes to menstrual health or reproductive concerns, there’s silence," says Sukanya, a Program Manager working with factory workers and community health champions at Swasti. In her 12 years of experience, she has seen firsthand how misinformation and cultural taboos prevent women from seeking the healthcare they need.
From garment factories to rural homes, conversations around menstrual and reproductive health remain shrouded in stigma. Many women hesitate to discuss issues such as irregular periods, lower abdominal pain, or breast lumps, even when they need medical attention. Sukanya and her team address this by conducting small, interactive sessions using body mapping exercises. "Once they understand how their reproductive system works, they become more comfortable discussing their concerns," she explains.
Her efforts have led to real change—women who previously ignored symptoms have undergone screenings and received life-saving treatments, including for cervical cancer.
Climate Change and Women’s Health: An Overlooked Connection
The intersection of climate change and reproductive health is becoming increasingly evident. "Factory workers often limit water intake to reduce restroom breaks, leading to dehydration and urinary tract infections (UTIs) especially during the extreme summer heat," Sukanya points out. This practice, driven by hesitancies and workplace demands, has long-term health implications. Moreover, rising temperatures and poor ventilation in factories exacerbate fatigue and reproductive health concerns, particularly for menstruating or pregnant workers.
Sathish, a Senior Program Manager at UpFront, overseeing SRH programs in South India, echoes these concerns. "Climate conditions affect menstrual cycles. Women in chemical sectors report irregularities during peak summer months, and poor hygiene due to water shortages and extreme heat leads to increased infections," he says. These findings highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive workplace policies that address climate-induced health challenges.
Shattering Myths, One Conversation at a Time
The battle against misinformation is ongoing. "Many women believe they shouldn’t eat eggs during their period or that drinking water worsens menstrual pain," says Sathish. These deeply ingrained myths, passed down through generations, lead to unhealthy practices.
As a male trainer in a field dominated by female participants, Sathish initially faced hesitation. However, by creating safe spaces for discussion, he has been able to foster open dialogue. One of his most impactful moments came when a mother, after attending his sessions, educated both her son and daughter on menstrual health, breaking the cycle of silence in her family.
Peer learning has proven to be one of the most effective strategies in changing behaviors. "Women are initially reluctant to try menstrual cups, but when they hear positive experiences from others, they gain confidence to make the switch," he shares. This approach has helped women embrace safer and more sustainable menstrual hygiene options.
Workplaces as Hubs for Health Awareness
For many women, the workplace is the only space outside their home where they can access health education. Bhavyashree, a Senior Program Associate at Swasti, leverages this by creating safe spaces for women to discuss their bodies without fear or shame.
"Most women I work with don’t know that cervical cancer is preventable with early screenings. Many endure severe menstrual pain without seeking help because they assume it's normal," she says. Her work involves conducting health screenings, training sessions, and follow-ups to ensure that women receive the care they need.
These interventions have led to powerful shifts. "Women who once felt embarrassed to even say the word 'period' now educate their coworkers about menstrual hygiene. Those who learned about cervical cancer screenings have gone for check-ups and encouraged others to do the same," she adds.
"Every woman and girl deserves access to knowledge, healthcare, and support for their reproductive health," says Sukanya. "Let’s break the silence, spread awareness, and ensure dignity for all."
On International Women’s Day, these frontline voices remind us that access to healthcare services and knowledge for women and girls paves the way for healthier communities, empowered women, and a more equitable future. Swasti is committed to addressing the gaps, needs, and challenges around Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) for the marginalised. Read more about our work in the domain of SRH here: https://swasti.org/our_work/Sexual-Reproductive-Health-SRH
Author - Kamalkoli Majumdar
