Sandeepa Dhar Calls for Normalizing Conversations Around Menstruation

Mumbai: Actress Sandeepa Dhar has taken a stand to raise awareness about the pressing issues of menstrual hygiene and gender equity in India.

Highlighting the stark reality that basic hygiene is still a luxury for many, Sandeepa urged those in privileged positions to take meaningful action.

Speaking about the importance of menstrual hygiene, she said, “We need to normalize conversations around periods. Let’s support initiatives that provide access to sanitary products and promote menstrual equity.”

According to her, even the smallest steps can make a big difference. “One packet of sanitary products, one honest conversation — that’s all it takes to start creating change,” she emphasized.

“We owe it to our sisters, daughters, friends, and millions of girls across the country who deserve better,” Sandeepa added.

India faces a significant challenge in this area. An estimated 23 million girls drop out of school every year due to the lack of proper menstrual hygiene facilities. Shockingly, only 36% of menstruating women in the country have access to safe sanitary products. The rest often rely on unsafe alternatives such as old rags, ash, or hay—practices that can lead to serious health complications.

In a separate, heartfelt tribute on Mother’s Day (May 10), Sandeepa shared the inspiring story of her mother, who rebuilt her life from scratch after leaving Kashmir.

“She had no support system, no familiar faces around her, but she had courage,” Sandeepa recalled. “She built a life with my father from the ground up, ensuring that we, as children, never felt the weight of her struggles.”

Sandeepa also credited her mother for instilling in her the values that shape who she is today. “Traveling with her brings me so much joy. Her sense of humor, openness to new experiences, and her ‘never say no’ spirit make every trip unforgettable,” she shared.

With inputs from IANS