Gramalaya’s Fourth MHM India Summit 2024: A Beacon of Hope and Change in Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy

• Interactive sessions explored pivotal themes like infrastructure in schools, combating period poverty, promoting eco-friendly menstrual products, and breaking taboos surrounding menstruation
• Special focus on educating adolescents and empowering young women through knowledge-sharing sessions and hands-on workshops on menstrual hygiene management
• A significant emphasis was placed on integrating eco-friendly practices and reducing plastic waste associated with menstrual products.

New Delhi, India – November 19, 2024 – Against the magnificent backdrop of Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Gramalaya’s Fourth Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) India Summit 2024 unfolded as a transformative confluence of minds, ideas, and action with over 200 delegates and 50 speakers from across India. Organized by Gramalaya in collaboration with Dettol Banega Swasth India, the summit was a testament to the power of collective will and relentless advocacy for menstrual health equity.

The inaugural session was an awe-inspiring convergence of brilliance and dedication. Hon’ble Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Union Minister of State For External Affairs and Culture Government of India, Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships SOA, Reckitt, and Padma Shri Awardee Mr. S. Damodaran, Founder and CEO of Gramalaya, set the stage with stirring addresses that underscored the pressing need for collective efforts in menstrual hygiene advocacy. Their words resonated with the audience, evoking a shared vision of a healthier  and more equitable future.

Spekaing on the event, Mr. S. Damodaran, Founder and CEO, Gramalaya said, “The MHM India Summit is a beacon of hope and transformation, where we come together to challenge deeply rooted stigmas and foster a culture of acceptance and awareness around menstruation. At Gramalaya, our mission has always been to empower every woman and girl with the dignity and safety they deserve during menstruation. This summit is not just an event—it is a powerful movement of collective action and collaboration, paving the way for a future where menstruation no longer holds anyone back but instead becomes a symbol of strength, health, and equity for all.”

Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt “Partnering with Gramalaya for the Fourth MHM India Summit is a profound step towards addressing the critical issue of menstrual hygiene in India. At Reckitt, we firmly believe that access to safe and sustainable menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Through this collaboration, we aim to support Gramalaya’s tireless efforts in fostering awareness, breaking taboos, and driving community-led change. Together, we are building scalable, impactful solutions that not only improve health and hygiene but also empower women and girls to thrive with dignity and confidence in every aspect of their lives.”

This landmark event brought together visionaries like Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, President of Divine Shakti Foundation; Mrs. Sneha Shergill, Mrs India-2016, Queen of Substance, policymakers, industry leaders, and social pioneers, igniting dialogues aimed at empowering women and adolescent girls across India. With an unwavering commitment in breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and addressing the systemic challenges it poses, the summit became a crucible of transformative ideas and actionable solutions. The day unfolded with a vibrant panel discussion, “Setting the Context: Current Status, MHM Framework, and Policy Guidelines,” featuring esteemed thought leaders such as, Dr. Arundati Muralidharan, Co-Founder, Menstrual Health Action for Impact (MHAi); Mr. Arun Gupta, President, Pinkishe Foundation; Mr. Vikas Bagaria, Founder & CEO, Pee Safe; Ms. Geeta Solanki, Founder, Unipads India Pvt. Ltd.

The summit transitioned seamlessly into six dynamic breakaway sessions, each illuminating critical aspects of menstrual hygiene:

1. WASH and MHM Infrastructure in Schools, Institutions, and Workplaces – Led by Dr. Pratibha Singh WASH and climate resilience in Institutions and MHM specialist UNICEF, India Country Office, this session explored structural innovations to foster inclusive environments.
2. MHM Advocacy: Knowledge, Education, and Community Outreach – Anchored by Dr. Santosh Gupta Associate Director, ARMMAN, this dialogue championed grassroots awareness campaigns.
3. Period Poverty and Promotion of Eco-friendly Products – Guided by  Ms.Geeta Solanki, Founder, UNIPADS India Private Ltd., the session spotlighted sustainable menstrual solutions.
4. MHM, Environment, and Plastic Waste Management – Moderated by Dr. Sania Siddiqui, Founder & Director, Humjoli Foundation, this session emphasized eco-conscious practices.
5. Role of Media in MHM Awareness and Advocacy – A vibrant panel chaired by Ms. Anushree Dash, Founder & Chairperson, ADiBha She Vision,  showcased the media’s transformative power in reshaping narratives.
6. Breaking the Silence: MHM Beliefs, Myths, and Taboos – Led by Mr.M.Elangovan, Executive Director, Gramalaya this session delved into cultural stigmas and strategies to dismantle them.

The plenary session, “Role of CSR Initiatives and Startups in Accelerating MHM Initiatives,” brought the day to a resounding crescendo, highlighting trailblazing contributions from corporations and innovators under the stewardship of Mr. Suresh Mariaselvam, Former Adviser-DANIDA / UNFPA / UNDP

The summit concluded with a poignant Valedictory Session and an Awards Ceremony, celebrating exceptional contributions to menstrual hygiene management. The event was

With the invaluable support of Associate Sponsor Giocare and the amplifying efforts of Media Partner Aarambh Communications, the MHM India Summit 2024 successfully spread its message of empowerment, awareness, and transformative action on menstrual hygiene. This year’s MHM India Summit was more than an event—it was a clarion call for change. The insights shared, collaborations forged, and commitments renewed will ripple across communities, ensuring that menstrual hygiene becomes a right, not a privilege, for every woman and girl in India.

For more information about Gramalaya and its initiatives, visit www.gramalaya.org.

About Gramalaya: Gramalaya, established in 1987 by Padma Shri Awardee Mr. S. Damodaran, empowers communities through water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene initiatives. Recognized as a National Key Resource Centre under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Gramalaya champions access to safe water and sanitation, menstrual hygiene and health education, eco-friendly alternatives, impacting over 5.2 million lives in India.