'Aunt Flo', 'those days', and 'code red' are just a few words which are testament to the taboo surrounding periods which is deeply rooted in Indian society even today. Many communities still follow practices related to myths wherein menstrual blood and hence menstruating people arecare 'dirty or impure.' From being told not to touch the pickle jar, denied entry into temples while menstruating, sleeping in a separate room in the house, or skipping school, the stigma surrounding periods manifests in every aspect of life.

     Additionally, we have a huge issue with menstrual waste management since a single menstruator can produce over 125 kgs of menstrual waste in a lifetime and over 12 billion period products are disposed off annually in India. Despite being classified as solid waste by the Solid Waste Management Rules, menstrual waste is often disposed off without segregation and finds its ways into water bodies and open ground. Manual scavengers often have to collect this waste with their hands and this waste also often clogs sewers and drains due to improper disposal. SWM rules suggest that this waste is sent to a biomedical waste incinerator but this requires proper segregation, disposal, and collection.

     Moreover, a single plastic sanitary napkin takes over 500-800 years to decompose and this waste often ends up in landfills or as microplastics in the ocean which has a devastating impact on marine life. There are many sustainable menstruation alternatives which are available including cloth pads, menstrual cups, and organic tampons. These products are good for the body, much more economical in the long term, and can even last over 2 - 8 years if cared for properly. However, there are many myths and taboos surrounding their use including their safety and implications of their usage. There is also a general lack of understanding and awareness surrounding these products with a majority of menstruators who can afford period products in India choosing to use disposable plastic pads.

      Due to the above mentioned reasons, it is important to demand the inclusion of sustainable menstruation, the societal attitudes towards menstruation, and menstrual waste management in school curriculums to make India a period positive society. Providing access to this crucial information at an early age within a classroom environment will go a long way in helping normalize periods and make students more engaged as well as aware about ways they can take action and implement change in their communities when it comes to menstrual health.

    Hence, we are petitioning the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to make education modules about sustainable menstruation, menstrual waste management, and societal myths surrounding periods mandatory for grades 5-10 in BMC municipal schools i.e. Mumbai Public Schools. Providing access to accurate information at a young age in a safe classroom environment to students who are receptive to this information will be the vehicle for massive social and environmental change in Mumbai and eventually the rest of India. We urge BMC authorities to implement this policy this academic year. By signing this petition, sharing it within your circle, and voicing your support for this demand by bringing it to the attention of elected officials, a few minutes of your time can truly amplify the impact the of this campaign.