The 5th MHM India Summit 2025, India’s largest platform on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), concluded in New Delhi with over 280 stakeholders from government, global development agencies, academia, healthcare, and corporate sectors participating. Organised by Gramalaya, the summit focused on accelerating equitable and sustainable menstrual health solutions across the country.
India’s First Menstrual Waste-Free, Period-Friendly School Launched
A major highlight was the announcement of India’s first Menstrual Waste-Free and Period-Friendly School—Arimalam Government Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu.
The school has achieved:
- 100% adoption of reusable cloth pads
- A dedicated period-friendly toilet complex
- Comprehensive MHM training for teachers and students
- This model sets a national benchmark for menstrual-friendly campuses.
Bike Rally Inspires Grassroots Awareness
The event celebrated the conclusion of the 5,000 km ‘Birds of Roads’ Bike Rally, which travelled across 10 states, spreading menstrual hygiene awareness and promoting dignity and inclusion.
Leaders Call for Policy Focus and Social Inclusion
Speakers including Padma Shri S. Damodaran, Prof. Ravi Bhatnagar, and Sneha Shergill emphasised the need to integrate menstrual hygiene within national development priorities and strengthen community-led initiatives.
Record Handwashing Campaign Honoured
The summit showcased the Largest Handwashing Awareness Campaign for School Students, conducted by Gramalaya and Dettol Banega Swasth India, which reached 10,00,106 students across 4,921 schools. The achievement was recognised by the India Book of Records.
Sessions Highlight Innovation and Inclusivity
Discussions covered period-friendly WASH facilities, eco-friendly menstrual products, school and community MHM education, waste management, and menstrual health issues including PMS and anemia. Inclusivity for differently abled, transgender individuals, and vulnerable communities remained central.
Collaboration Through CSR
A special CSR session explored long-term partnerships to improve menstrual hygiene infrastructure and access to affordable products.
The summit concluded with a call for sustained collaboration to build a more informed, inclusive, and menstrual health-positive India.
