In the picturesque village of Thiksey, nestled in the rugged terrain of Ladakh, about 20 kilometres from Leh Town, women and adolescent girls grapple with a deeply personal challenge — access to adequate menstrual hygiene products. While the region’s breathtaking landscapes draw tourists from around the globe, the women of Thiksey face an often overlooked struggle, one that is as critical as it is intimate: maintaining proper menstrual hygiene. Qamarun Nissa reports from Ladakh
In rural India, the conversation around menstrual hygiene is often shrouded in silence. Despite the government’s efforts to promote hygienic practices, many women, especially in remote areas like Thiksey in Ladakh, about 20 kilometres from Leh Town, continue to rely on traditional methods during their menstrual cycles. The use of sanitary pads, though gaining ground, remains low, with many resorting to locally prepared alternatives or cloth. The latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reflects this disparity, showing a stark contrast in the use of hygienic methods between rural and urban areas.
Dhoma Kumar Tamang, a 16-year-old student at the local government high school, is one of the many young women in Thiksey who navigate this challenge every month. “We receive free pads from the medical team in Leh,” she says, expressing her gratitude. But her relief is tinged with frustration. The pads, though leak-proof, are small in size, making them impractical for her heavy menstrual flow. To cope, Dhoma often resorts to using both cloth and pads, a makeshift solution that reflects the inadequacy of the resources at her disposal.
Dhoma’s experience is not something special. The women in Thiksey, like Dhoma’s mother, also rely on these small pads due to financial constraints, stretching a limited supply to cover their needs. “We typically receive 4-5 packets of pads four times a year, but each packet only contains six pieces. It’s not enough,” Dhoma explains, highlighting the need for larger and more abundant supplies to meet the demands of their seven-day cycles.
Call for better support
Resalat Parveen, a 23-year-old student at the Government Polytechnic College in Leh and a resident of Thiksey, echoes Dhoma’s concerns. Resalat faces the dual challenge of limited pad availability in her area and the financial burden of purchasing them. “While government schemes provide free pads to schoolgirls, those of us who study outside Thiksey are left out,” she says. The cost of commuting to college, coupled with the expense of buying pads, adds to her stress. “We need free pads for all girls, regardless of where they study,” Resalat asserts, underscoring the importance of equitable access to menstrual hygiene products.
The situation in Thiksey is further complicated by the quality of locally produced pads. Al-ayisha Thundel Tsogspa, a local organisation dedicated to spreading awareness about menstrual health and producing eco-friendly sanitary pads, has faced challenges of its own. These hand-made, chemical-free pads offer an affordable alternative, but concerns about their quality persist. “The number of members in our group has dwindled, and the pad-making machine we have now operates poorly,” says Khati Malo, a 48-year-old former member of the organisation. Khati’s disappointment is palpable as she recounts the lack of support from authorities, despite repeated promises of funding.
Dr Rinchen Chosdol, the medical superintendent of Sonam Nurboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh, has been at the forefront of addressing these issues. “We need to ensure the free availability of sanitary napkins and conduct mass education initiatives on menstrual hygiene,” she emphasises. Through the Ayushman Arogya Mandir programme, health professionals visit schools on a rotational basis to educate students about menstrual hygiene and distribute free pads. Yet, as Dr Chosdol points out, education on proper pad usage and disposal is equally crucial. “It’s not just about access; it’s about knowledge too,” she insists, highlighting the holistic approach needed to tackle menstrual hygiene challenges.
Need for a coordinated effort
The challenges in Thiksey are a microcosm of the broader issues faced by rural women across India. While government initiatives are a step in the right direction, they are often hampered by logistical issues, inadequate supplies, and a lack of awareness. The experiences of Dhoma, Resalat, and Khati illustrate the urgent need for a coordinated effort to improve menstrual hygiene management in rural areas.
To truly bridge the gap, sustainable funding, better infrastructure, and ongoing community engagement are essential. Government initiatives must be supported by grassroots efforts, ensuring that every woman, regardless of her location or financial situation, has access to the menstrual products and education she needs. Only then can Thiksey — and other rural areas like it — move towards better menstrual health outcomes for its residents.
In the remote village of Thiksey, the challenges of accessing menstrual products are both a personal and community issue. The stories of the women highlight a pressing need for action — action that must come from both the government and the community. By working together, we can ensure that every woman has the resources she needs to manage her menstruation with dignity and comfort, paving the way for healthier, more empowered futures.
(Courtesy: Charkha Features. The writer is a student of journalism at EJM College, Leh, and a Sanjoy Ghose Media Awardee 2023.)