Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed every year on May 28. It has become a global event which marks the importance of period hygiene and also draws attention to the importance of breaking taboos related to menstruation. The concept lies in the understanding that menstrual health, in fact, is a fundamental aspect of human rights, dignity, and public health. This year, Sustainable Development Goals is leading the charge to educate, empower, and transform the conversation around menstrual health. Good Period hygiene is also crucial for the health, well-being, and empowerment of women and girls worldwide. It also plays a critical role in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential.Also Read: Japan Races To Develop World’s First Artificial Blood, Trials To Begin Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 ThemeThis year, the theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day is "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld". This theme encourages collective action to ensure that menstruation does not limit access to education, health, or opportunities. It also emphasizes on the importance of breaking the taboo and stigma around menstruation. The goal is to create a world where menstruation is a normal part of life and everyone can manage their periods with dignity and safety. Menstrual Hygiene Day HistoryIt was first initiated by a German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 and observed for the first time in 2014. This is especially important for developing countries, where women's choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by the costs, availability and social norms. Why Is Menstrual Hygiene Important?Why is it important to talk about periods? The reason is that even today, 1 in 4 women in India say they are being negatively impacted through social media misinformation about menstruation. It creates panic and fear about something which is a natural process. This data comes from the 10th edition of the everteen Menstrual Hygiene Survey, which was released ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day.Also Read: Amid Measles Outbreak, Texas Makes Vaccine Exemption Easier For Kids As per the World Bank, on any given day, more than 300 million women worldwide are menstruating. In total, an estimated of 500 million women lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme 2012, menstrual hygiene is defined as: “Women and adolescent girls are using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect menstrual blood, that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary, using soap and water for washing the body as required, and having access to safe and convenient facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials. They understand the basic facts linked to the menstrual cycle and how to manage it with dignity and without discomfort or fear.” The challenges that menstruators face encompass more than just lack of basic supplies and infrastructure. While menstruation is normal and healthy part of life, there are many societies, where menstruators continue to be constrained by cultural taboos, which further encourages unhygienic practices, shaming, isolation, and even gender-based violence.Also Read: New Mitral Valve Replacement Device Wins FDA Approval As per a study published in 2017 in Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, that talks about the myths and symbolism related to menstruation which further encourages taboos. These cultural norms, associated with religion and historical beliefs also link menstruation with impurity, which is why it leads to menstruators feeling ashamed to talk about it, further discouraging them the access to a healthy life.