Fourth MHM India Summit 2024 – Organized by Gramalaya at New Delhi- A National Call to Action on Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Gramalaya, India’s pioneering NGO dedicated to water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene, in association with Dettol Banega Swasth India, is organising the Fourth Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) India Summit 2024, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The Inaugural session of the event will be graced by Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships SOA, Reckitt, and Padma Shri Awardee Mr. S. Damodaran, Gramalaya’s visionary Founder and CEO. It is expected Central ministers among other special invitees will take part in this transformative summit, fostering inspiring dialogues aimed at improving the health and hygiene of the women and adolescent girls in India through this summit.
The 2024 Summit, hosted on World Toilet Day (November 19th), will shine a spotlight on the critical landscape of Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHM) in India. With an agenda centred on the current state of MHM, the Summit will delve into pioneering frameworks for impactful Menstrual Health policies and explore bold initiatives designed to expand menstrual health awareness and access for all women and adolescent girls. Since it is the Fourth MHM Summit, the speakers will share their experience and expertise among the participants and enable cross-learning and synergy at a national-level. This forum will advocate for Eco-friendly Menstrual Hygiene Products which are already familiar among the women and adolescent girls in India and take it forward to the wider community level for advocacy and lobbying. The event promises an enriching program featuring keynote speakers with inspiring presentations, insightful panel discussions, and real-world case studies. Together, these sessions will highlight the latest advancements in menstrual health and foster a vibrant platform for collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise.
“We aim for a society where adolescent girls and women should be free from all Menstruation related health problems and lead a healthy life!” said Mr. S. Damodaran, Founder and CEO of Gramalaya. “This summit unites stakeholders across the field to work toward sustainable, widespread change that empowers women and girls to live healthier and happier!” he added
After successfully hosting the first 3 editions, Gramalaya’s Fourth MHM India Summit 2024 warmly invites professionals from across the spectrum—NGOs, government bodies, healthcare, CSR, education, and beyond—to join them in advancing the cause of menstrual health and hygiene. This gathering offers a unique platform for Social entrepreneurs and solution providers to showcase cutting-edge, sustainable innovations that bring accessible menstrual health solutions to life. Additionally, the Summit will celebrate those leading the change in this transformative field by presenting awards for exceptional contributions to Menstrual Hygiene Management, honouring excellence, dedication, and impactful change.
“Reckitt is proud to support Gramalaya in their mission to break taboos surrounding menstrual health and foster dialogue on menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right. By driving awareness and promoting access to menstrual health resources, we can change lives for millions of women and girls.” shared Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships SOA, Reckitt.
The MHM India Summit has set an impactful stage for collaboration and discussion, drawing over 180 delegates in 2019 in New Delhi, 200 delegates in 2022 in Chennai, and 250 delegates in 2023 in New Delhi. Building on these successful gatherings, the Fourth MHM India Summit is designed to catalyse further progress and foster an integrated approach in addressing menstrual hygiene at a national level. The Fourth MHM India Summit 2024 is focused on creating a future where menstrual health and hygiene are accessible to all, eradicating period poverty, breaking down barriers and ensuring a dignified period for all women and girls.
About Gramalaya: Gramalaya, established in 1987 by Padma Shri Awardee Mr. S. Damodaran, empowers communities through water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene initiatives. Recognized as a National Key Resource Centre under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Gramalaya champions access to safe water and sanitation, menstrual hygiene and health education, eco-friendly alternatives, impacting over 5.2 million lives in India.