Project overview
This cross-sectional study assessed gender-related awareness, hygiene practices, and emotional well-being among 1,024 adolescent girls in five semi-urban schools in Western Maharashtra. Using questionnaires and anthropometric data, the study found that 43.7% were underweight, 74% used sanitary pads, but 37% lacked menstrual knowledge before menarche. While 69% knew the legal marriage age (18 years), 80% believed independence—financial or personal—was essential before marriage. Emotional stability was rated “medium” in 63.4% of participants. Mothers were the main source of menstruation-related information (80%). Despite decent awareness of menstrual hygiene and legal norms, gaps persist in nutrition, pre-menarche education, and emotional health. The study recommends reinforcing school-based health education, improving sanitary pad access, and embedding mental health and gender-sensitization initiatives into curricula to advance gender equity.
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