OMHH Alliance Leads State-Level Dialogue on Menstrual Rights and Inclusion

Bhubaneswar: Menstrual health must be recognised as a matter of rights, dignity and equality rather than being confined to discussions on hygiene alone, speakers observed at a state-level multi-stakeholder dialogue organised in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Global Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026.

The programme, organised by the Odisha Menstrual Health & Hygiene Alliance (OMHH Alliance) led by Aaina, was held on the theme “Rising Together: Transforming Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right.” The event brought together representatives from government departments, educational institutions, development organisations, civil society groups, legal experts and youth platforms to discuss collective strategies for ensuring inclusive and stigma-free menstrual health systems.

Opening the discussion, Aaina Secretary and OMHH Alliance Convener Sneha Mishra stressed the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to address menstrual health as a core development and human rights issue. She said access to menstrual health information, products and safe infrastructure must be treated as essential to dignity and social inclusion.

Prof. (Dr.) Saumya Uma from Jindal Global Law School highlighted the importance of legal recognition and institutional accountability in protecting menstrual rights. She said stronger policy support and rights-based approaches were necessary to ensure menstrual dignity for all sections of society.

Director of Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar emphasised that innovation, research and collaborative action across sectors could play a key role in creating sustainable and inclusive menstrual health solutions.

UNICEF Odisha Chief Field Office Prasanta Kumar Dash said social stigma and silence around menstruation continue to affect adolescents and young people despite growing awareness campaigns. He stressed that schools, workplaces and communities must become more empathetic and period-friendly through collective responsibility and open conversations.

Chairperson of Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) Babita Patra spoke about the importance of menstrual health in ensuring the wellbeing, dignity and rights of children and adolescents. Additional Director General of Police Shyni S., IPS, highlighted the need to create safe and enabling environments free from stigma and discrimination.

The programme featured several panel discussions where young participants, practitioners, educationists and policymakers discussed issues related to menstrual rights, inclusive infrastructure and social attitudes towards menstruation. Sessions focusing on “Gen Z and Menstrual Rights” and “Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right” highlighted the need for community participation and systemic reforms.

Participants also discussed initiatives under the Period-Friendly City campaign and the ongoing work of the OMHH Alliance in strengthening menstrual health systems through awareness, advocacy and evidence-based interventions.

At the conclusion of the event, participants took a collective pledge to challenge stigma, encourage open dialogue and work towards ensuring dignity, equality and safe menstrual health practices for all.

UNICEF WASH-CCES Specialist Shipra Saxena delivered the vote of thanks and called for continued collaboration among institutions, communities and policymakers to build a more inclusive and period-friendly society.