OMHH Alliance marked Global Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 in Bhubaneswar with a state-level dialogue on menstrual rights, dignity, inclusion, and systemic change
OdishaPlus Bureau
“Rising Together: Transforming Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right”
Marking Global Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, the Odisha Menstrual Health & Hygiene Alliance (OMHH Alliance), led by Aaina, organized a state-level multi-stakeholder dialogue in Bhubaneswar on the theme “Rising Together: Transforming Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right.” The event brought together representatives from government, academia, civil society, law, development partners, and youth platforms to strengthen collective action towards advancing menstrual health as an issue of rights and dignity
The programme began with a welcome address and reflection by Sneha Mishra, Secretary, Aaina and Convener, OMHH Alliance, who highlighted the urgent need to move beyond fragmented interventions and recognize menstrual health as central to dignity, equality, and access to essential services.
Delivering the opening address, Dr Saumya Uma from Jindal Global Law School reflected on menstrual health from a rights-based perspective and emphasized the importance of legal recognition, accountability, and institutional responsibility in ensuring menstrual dignity for all.
In his remarks, Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, underscored the role of innovation, systems thinking, and cross-sector collaboration in creating inclusive and sustainable menstrual health solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasanta Kumar Dash, Chief Field Office, UNICEF Odisha, said, “While conversations around menstrual health are gradually changing, many young people still experience silence, hesitation, and stigma in their everyday lives. Creating schools, institutions, workplaces, and communities that are period-friendly requires more than infrastructure and services. It requires empathy, openness, and collective responsibility.”
Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Babita Patra, Chairperson, Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), stressed the importance of menstrual health in safeguarding the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of children and adolescents.
Shyni S., Additional Director General of Police, Government of Odisha, spoke about the importance of safe, enabling, and stigma-free environments for menstruators and highlighted the role of institutions and communities in ensuring inclusion and dignity.
The event also highlighted ongoing efforts under the OMHH Alliance and the Period-Friendly City campaign, including evidence sharing, dialogue on systems strengthening, and renewed commitment towards ensuring menstrual health as a fundamental right.
Guests and participants took a pledge to champion menstrual rights, dignity, and equity for all while challenging stigma, breaking silence, and helping create safe and inclusive period-positive spaces within communities.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Shipra Saxena, WASH-CCES Specialist, UNICEF, who appreciated the contributions of all dignitaries, alliance members, and stakeholders, and called for continued collective action to build a more inclusive and period-friendly society.
Several panel discussions were held throughout the day where young participants spoke on “Gen Z and Menstrual Rights” and engaged in conversations emphasizing “Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right.” Educationists, practitioners, and policymakers also highlighted the collective responsibility required to create period-friendly infrastructure and services that help transform menstrual health into a recognized fundamental right.
Observed under the global Menstrual Hygiene Day theme, the event reinforced the urgent need to move beyond awareness toward systemic transformation — ensuring access to menstrual health information, products, safe infrastructure, and dignity for all.
The programme witnessed participation from members of the OMHH Alliance including Aaina, UNICEF, Government of Odisha, IIT Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, WaterAid, AL2050, PSI, NAWO, PCI, OdishaLive, Swasthya Plus, IFI, Saukhyam, VIEWS, PJS, and Aatmashakti Trust.