Nearly 74% of female students in Odisha miss between one and eight days of school during menstruation, according to a study on menstrual health conducted across several districts of the state.

The assessment, carried out between 28 April and 25 May, found that pain and discomfort were the main reasons for absenteeism. Other factors included lack of privacy, inadequate facilities and social stigma.

The survey covered 177 respondents from 121 schools and 56 public institutions in rural and urban areas. It was conducted by organisations including UNICEF, Aaina, WaterAid, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and IIT Bhubaneswar.

While 94% of the schools surveyed had separate toilets for girls, the study highlighted gaps in menstrual hygiene management and sanitation infrastructure. The non-availability of water and soap was identified as a major challenge.

Around 56% of schools either lacked menstrual waste disposal facilities or relied on unsafe disposal methods, the report found.

The study also pointed to limited healthcare support in schools. Only 27% of schools had a nurse or health worker, while 44% reported having first-aid kits.

The findings were released alongside discussions on improving sanitation facilities in public spaces. Over the past three years, public spaces in Bhubaneswar have been assessed by adolescents using the Public Spaces Assessment Framework developed by World Resources Institute India, with inputs from more than 800 young people.

According to WRI India, the lack of inclusive and period-friendly toilets remains a key concern in public spaces. The organisation said a project to demonstrate inclusive toilet models at three locations in Bhubaneswar will be led by adolescent champions of Aaina in collaboration with city agencies to improve awareness and access to sanitation infrastructure for women, girls and persons with disabilities.

Inputs from The Hindu

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