Gramalaya’s Fourth MHM India Summit 2024: A Beacon of Hope and Change in Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy
New Delhi: Against the magnificent backdrop of Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Gramalaya’s Fourth Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) India Summit 2024 unfolded as a transformative confluence of minds, ideas, and action with over 200 delegates and 50 speakers from across India. Organized by Gramalaya in collaboration with Dettol Banega Swasth India, the summit was a testament to the power of collective will and relentless advocacy for menstrual health equity.
The inaugural session was an awe-inspiring convergence of brilliance and dedication. Hon’ble Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Union Minister of State For External Affairs and Culture Government of India, Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships SOA, Reckitt, and Padma Shri Awardee Mr. S. Damodaran, Founder and CEO of Gramalaya, set the stage with stirring addresses that underscored the pressing need for collective efforts in menstrual hygiene advocacy. Their words resonated with the audience, evoking a shared vision of a healthier and more equitable future.
Speaking on the event, Mr. S. Damodaran, Founder and CEO, Gramalaya said, “The MHM India Summit is a beacon of hope and transformation, where we come together to challenge deeply rooted stigmas and foster a culture of acceptance and awareness around menstruation. At Gramalaya, our mission has always been to empower every woman and girl with the dignity and safety they deserve during menstruation. This summit is not just an event—it is a powerful movement of collective action and collaboration, paving the way for a future where menstruation no longer holds anyone back but instead becomes a symbol of strength, health, and equity for all.”
Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt “Partnering with Gramalaya for the Fourth MHM India Summit is a profound step towards addressing the critical issue of menstrual hygiene in India. At Reckitt, we firmly believe that access to safe and sustainable menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Through this collaboration, we aim to support Gramalaya’s tireless efforts in fostering awareness, breaking taboos, and driving community-led change. Together, we are building scalable, impactful solutions that not only improve health and hygiene but also empower women and girls to thrive with dignity and confidence in every aspect of their lives.”
This landmark event brought together visionaries like Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, President of Divine Shakti Foundation; Mrs. Sneha Shergill, Mrs India-2016, Queen of Substance, policymakers, industry leaders, and social pioneers, igniting dialogues aimed at empowering women and adolescent girls across India. With an unwavering commitment in breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and addressing the systemic challenges it poses, the summit became a crucible of transformative ideas and actionable solutions. The day unfolded with a vibrant panel discussion, “Setting the Context: Current Status, MHM Framework, and Policy Guidelines,” featuring esteemed thought leaders such as, Dr. Arundati Muralidharan, Co-Founder, Menstrual Health Action for Impact (MHAi); Mr. Arun Gupta, President, Pinkishe Foundation; Mr. Vikas Bagaria, Founder & CEO, Pee Safe; Ms. Geeta Solanki, Founder, Unipads India Pvt. Ltd.
