When I was invited to speak at the World Menstrual Health Day 2025 panel discussion titled “Beyond the Basics: Menstrual Health as Dignity, Inclusion, and Policy Priority”, I felt like a fish out of water.
Talking about menstrual health isn’t something that comes naturally to many men—least of all in public. So, when I mentioned to some of my women colleagues and friends that I’d be part of this panel, the most common reaction was a chuckle and a raised eyebrow: “What are YOU going to contribute?” Honestly, I had the same question.
But I’m glad I didn’t shy away. Organised by Sanitation First India in collaboration with The Cycle UK and the South Chennai Parliamentary Office, the event brought together incredible minds from diverse sectors to discuss menstrual health—not just as a hygiene issue, but as a matter of equity, dignity, and policy priority.
The event was thoughtfully moderated by Ms. CMA Padmapriya TS, Chief Executive of Sanitation First, who ensured the conversations were authentic, deep, and action-focused.
A Conversation That Went Far Beyond Hygiene
The first panel, “Practices, Challenges, and Community Engagement”, featured grounded voices like Karthik Thangavel, Dr. Thiripurasundari Thiyagarajan, Miruthula RJ, Nisha Kesavan, and Latha Caleb, who spoke passionately about the socio-cultural and infrastructural barriers that still persist across our communities.
I joined the second panel on “Inclusion, Gender, and the Workplace” which proved to be just as eye-opening. Alongside Fred Rogers, Sowmya Simhan, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, and Dr. Sasikala N we highlighted the deep-rooted stigma and the silent hurdles that exist even in so-called progressive workspaces.
The third panel on “Policy, Research, and Rights” with MP, Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Dr. Arundhati Muralidharan, Dr. Averi Chakrabarti, Dr. Sophia, and Georgina Harding, where they explored how robust policies, reliable data, and long-term investments are essential to making menstrual health a public responsibility—not a private discomfort.
What I Shared—and What I Learned
One shocking statistic I encountered during the event was that 72% of women in India believe menstruation is ‘bad blood’ leaving the body. That hit me hard. It’s not just the lack of information—it’s the presence of widespread misinformation that continues to harm. As someone who strongly advocates for Critical Thinking, this reinforced my belief that developing this skill from a young age is not just important, it is essential. If we nurture critical thinking early in schools, we can shape a generation that challenges blind beliefs, questions outdated rituals, and dismantles the harmful religious and caste based dogmas deeply embedded in our society.
In response to the question about connecting Empathy, Exuberance, and Execution—from compassion to policy implementation—I shared my view that while organizations often prioritize and reward result-oriented leaders, the need for empathetic leadership is becoming increasingly critical. What I missed mentioning during the discussion, and wish I had, is a key insight from my book ECube Leadership: every meaningful change initiative requires a thoughtful blend of Empathy, Exuberance, and Execution. It’s this triad that drives not just outcomes, but also inclusion and sustainability in leadership.
One of the panelists spoke about the 5Ms that often define the trajectory of a woman’s life—and the obstacles she faces: Menstruation, Mobility, Marriage, Motherhood, and Menopause. These are rarely discussed in a unified framework, yet together, they explain so much about why many women struggle to climb the corporate ladder or find equal opportunities.
Another powerful moment came when one of the panelists spoke about disability—how it is not a homogeneous category. Solutions must be customized, not one-size-fits-all. She said something that stuck with me: “We are all heading toward disability, which is called ageing.” That was a moment of truth.
A Moment of Honour
The event ended on a high note for me personally when I received a memento from MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian, who passionately advocated for policy support from legislators and institutions to build a more inclusive society. Her words underscored that these conversations must translate into systemic action.
Final Thoughts
I may not have had all the answers, and I certainly walked in unsure of what I could offer. But I walked away enriched, humbled, and far more aware than when I entered. Sometimes, showing up to a space where you feel out of place is exactly where growth begins.
Kudos to Sanitation First India and all the partners for making this a space of learning, empathy, and genuine intent. These are the conversations that don’t just raise awareness—they change mindsets.
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