Let’s talk about something half the population uses every month and yet it’s treated like an undercover drug deal. Ever wondered why sanitary pads in India are often sold in black plastic bags or wrapped in newspapers like they’re something illegal?
From social stigma to sustainability (and a little bit of good ol’ patriarchy), there’s a long story hiding inside that discreet little package. So grab your tea, and let’s unpack the mystery, quite literally.
Why the Wrapping? A Legacy of Shame
Despite being as natural as breathing, menstruation still carries a heavy stigma in many parts of India. This shame doesn’t just stay in hushed conversations, it follows women to the pharmacy counter too. Many shopkeepers automatically slip pads into black poly bags or wrap them in yesterday’s newspaper like they’re dealing with fireworks during Diwali season.
This isn’t just habit, it’s cultural programming. Menstrual taboos have deep roots in Indian society, where periods are often considered “impure.” This silence around periods breeds embarrassment, especially for young girls, and influences everything from purchasing behavior to product visibility.
1. Not Everyone Can Afford the “Good Stuff”
Let’s be real: a packet of branded sanitary pads can cost more than a decent street-side lunch. For women in lower-income communities, that’s not a trade-off they can afford monthly.
According to D. Lather & Anuradha Singh (2021), affordability remains a major barrier to sanitary pad access in India. As a result, many women rely on cloth rags or makeshift alternatives — not out of choice, but necessity. These options can often be unhygienic, uncomfortable, and even lead to infections.
2. Cloth Is Still Common
While disposable pads dominate the urban market, B. Chanana (2018) found that cloth use is still common in rural and low-income urban settings. It’s not always because of eco-conscious choices, but because it’s simply what’s available or what generations of women have passed down.
But cloth use doesn’t have to be a hygiene hazard. When washed and dried properly in the sun (not hidden under the bed like grandma used to), cloth can be safe and sustainable. The problem is, due to shame, many women dry them indoors, creating the perfect environment for bacteria.
3. Sustainable Alternatives Are Gaining Ground
The plastic content in disposable pads is no joke. A single sanitary pad can take 500–800 years to decompose. This environmental horror story has sparked a growing interest in sustainable alternatives like menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, and even biodegradable pads made of banana fibers or textile waste.
Research by S. Garikipati et al. (2019) suggests that when women are introduced to eco-friendly menstrual products, they often shift their preferences especially when the products are both comfortable and affordable.
4. Change Is Happening
There’s hope on the horizon. Studies like Garikipati & Boudot (2017) have shown that initiatives promoting menstrual health and pad usage in urban slums are making a difference. From low-cost pad startups to government schemes and awareness drives, more women are gaining access to better menstrual hygiene.
What’s also encouraging is innovation, companies are now exploring pad materials from banana fibers, water hyacinths, and even agricultural waste. It’s not just sustainable; it’s smart.
Pro tip: Normalize the conversation. Ask your chemist not to wrap pads. If enough people ask, maybe one day we can buy them like we buy toothpaste, no newspaper required.
Conclusion
Menstruation shouldn’t be something we whisper about or hide under layers of paper. While affordability and access remain real challenges, the tide is slowly turning, thanks to innovation, activism, and plain old common sense. Until then, if you see a black plastic bag at the pharmacy counter, remember: there’s nothing dirty about dignity.
References
- Chanana, B. (2018). Menstrual hygiene practices among low-income Indian women.
- Garikipati, S. et al. (2019). Sustainable menstrual products and user attitudes.
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