Asymmetric Information in Menstrual Health and Implications for Sustainability: Insights from India

Abstract

This article explores how markets for menstrual products evolved and its implications for sustainability of menstrual hygiene management. The focus is on low-and-middle-income countries where 85% of girls and women of menstruating age live. I draw on a combination of secondary literature and focus group discussions with women from urban slums in India. My findings suggest that a tangled web of traditional taboos, markets and government policies have merged to create and endorse asymmetric information in menstrual health that has promoted the single product category of disposable pads. This has deeply influenced the beliefs and behavioural practices of menstruating women, which in turn have adverse implications for environmental eco-systems. It also seriously limits women's agency in the choice of menstrual product as awareness of alternatives is negligible. Analysing women's responses when they are offered information on other menstrual alternatives suggest that, as a policy tool, 'informed choice' has the potential to steer the menstrual health markets in a more sustainable direction. 1Research assistance by Tanya Malik and Linda Mason are gratefully acknowledged. The usual disclaimer applies.

What socio-demographic factors support disposable vs. sustainable menstrual choices? Evidence from India’s National Family Health Survey-5

“…These findings would be relevant to the other LMICs with similar socioeconomic and cultural contexts. Second, we contribute to the emerging literature on the issues related to gender and public health [10,[27][28][29]. Our findings are particularly significant from the perspective of informing governments and policymakers on the key areas of focus to improve the usage of reusable period products, thereby making menstrual health policies more sustainable and resilient.…”

“…Formal education is seen to makes little difference to women's menstrual knowledge and beliefs [28,42]. A cultural of silence surrounds menstruation makes it very difficult even for educated women to seek information about periods, including products and their appropriate use.…”