Breaking Invisible Barriers: Sanitation, Menstrual Health, and Cultural Stigmas in Schools – A Case Study from Jharkhand

The research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state of sanitation facilities in educational institutions, with a focus on the availability and condition of toilets, hand washing stations, and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) facilities. This includes evaluating the physical infrastructure, accessibility, and maintenance of these facilities to ensure they meet the needs of all students. The research also explores the influence of socio-cultural beliefs and economic conditions on students' hygiene habits and attitudes towards sanitation. It investigates how cultural norms, traditions, and economic constraints impact students' access to sanitation facilities. Special attention is given to gender disparities, recognizing that female students often face unique challenges related to menstrual hygiene management and may encounter additional barriers to accessing adequate sanitation facilities. By identifying these barriers, the study seeks to provide insights into the factors that hinder inclusive school ecosystem, especially for female students. The goal is to understand how these challenges affect students' overall well-being and academic performance.