The Irony of Advocacy: A Day in the Life of a Menstrual Educator in a Remote Village

Written by Alka, facilitator @ Dyvigya Care

Walking into a remote village in Madhya Pradesh, I was met with a stark reality that many urban dwellers rarely face. The absence of basic sanitation facilities, especially clean washrooms, was glaring. As a menstrual educator, my mission was clear: to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and urinary tract infections (UTIs) among the Anganwadi workers here. Yet, the irony was painful—I could share knowledge, but the lack of infrastructure meant the women I aimed to help remained vulnerable.

Morning Arrival and First Impressions

The village greeted me with dusty paths and simple mud houses. There was no sign of a proper washroom anywhere nearby. The women I met were warm but hesitant, their eyes reflecting years of struggle with issues that many take for granted. The Anganwadi workers, who serve as the frontline caregivers and educators for young children and women, gathered under the shade of a large banyan tree for our session.

The conversation began with menstrual hygiene basics—how to use sanitary products safely, the importance of changing them regularly, and the risks of infections. I emphasized UTIs, explaining how poor sanitation and lack of clean washrooms increase the risk. The women listened intently, nodding but also sharing their frustrations.

The Challenge of No Washrooms

One Anganwadi worker shared, “We know what to do, but where can we do it? There is no toilet here. We go to the fields, but it is unsafe and unhygienic.” This statement echoed the harsh truth: knowledge alone cannot solve problems rooted in infrastructure deficits.

I explained how UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract, often due to unhygienic conditions. Clean washrooms and access to water are critical to prevention. Yet, here, the absence of these basic facilities made prevention nearly impossible.

A Conversation with a Senior Villager

Later, I spoke with a senior woman who had witnessed decades of government promises. She recounted conversations with officials who visited the village, promising toilets and sanitation projects. “They talk about toilets, but nothing happens,” she said with a weary smile. “There are delays, red tape, and no priority given to our needs.”

Her words revealed a common pattern in many remote areas: government schemes exist on paper but often fail to reach those who need them most. The bureaucratic hurdles and lack of follow-through leave communities stuck in a cycle of neglect.

The Irony of Advocacy Without Infrastructure

As an educator, I felt a deep sense of helplessness. Sharing knowledge about menstrual hygiene and UTIs is vital, but without clean washrooms, the impact is limited. The women want to practice safe hygiene, but the environment does not support them.

This experience highlighted the gap between awareness and action. Advocacy must go hand in hand with infrastructure development. Without toilets and water access, health education alone cannot prevent infections or improve quality of life.

Practical Steps for Change

Despite the challenges, there are ways to move forward:

• Community Engagement: Encourage villagers to participate in planning and maintaining sanitation facilities.

• Local Government Pressure: Support Anganwadi workers and villagers in voicing their needs to officials persistently.

• Partnerships: NGOs and social enterprises can collaborate to build affordable, sustainable toilets.

• Education with Advocacy: Combine menstrual hygiene education with campaigns demanding infrastructure improvements.

  
  

Reflections on the Day

Leaving the village, I carried a mix of hope and frustration. The women’s eagerness to learn was inspiring, but the lack of toilets was a barrier that knowledge alone could not overcome. Their stories of government delays reminded me that real change requires more than words—it needs commitment, resources, and accountability.

This day reinforced the importance of holistic approaches to health education. We must address both awareness and the environment to make a lasting difference in women’s lives.