India has made significant progress in addressing menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), with initiatives such as the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme contributing to a substantial increase in access to period products.

However, true menstrual equity remains a distant dream for many, particularly in underserved regions.

While national MHH programmes deserve recognition, regional disparities persist. This is reflected in the government’s inability to bridge the gap between states which have performed well and those which have lagged behind, demanding a more nuanced and geographically targeted approach.