Maneka Gandhi, union minister for women and child development, launched a campaign to spread awareness on menstrual hygiene on Tuesday in Delhi.  The campaign is called #Yes I Bleed which aims at creating a normal approach towards the natural phenomenon to eradicate the taboo surrounding it.

Menstrual Hygiene is regarded as a global public health and human rights issue worldwide by United Nations.

Maneka Gandhi emphasized that menstrual hygiene is more of a change in the mindset than proper use of menstrual products and it is more than mere loss of blood and unused eggs. She admitted that the change in mindset is underway though much more of it is required.

“Equally important is the safe disposal of used sanitary pads, which actually are an environmental disaster. In villages, the used pads often end up in village ponds, exposing every human being and animal to the risk of infection,” said Gandhi while addressing at the event.

Maneka Gandhi expressed her happiness on being associated with the ‘much needed’ campaign. The campaign will be run on all social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Actor Divya Dutta also extended her support to the campaign and reiterated the need for a campaign to overcome the taboo rather than through speeches and meetings.

“We need to inculcate a system where there are no taxes imposed for sanitary pads, where sanitary pads are available for free. This should not be a big deal. For instance, in Kerala, sanitary pads are given away free to students. The issue of menstruation should also be a part of the education system. Hygiene should be included in education,” said Dutta.

India currently has appalling figures of girls and women dealing with inadequate facilities for maintaining menstrual hygiene as only twelve percent of menstruating women can afford proper sanitary pads.